Avient Introduces New Signal-Transparent TPEs to Enable High-Speed 5G Transmission

August 3, 2021

Caption: Versaflex™ CE 3140 TPEs provide high-frequency signal transparency to enable 5G network speeds with less interference.
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CLEVELAND – August 3, 2021 – Avient today announced the launch of two patent-pending Versaflex™ CE thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for 5G applications. The new Versaflex™ CE 3140 formulations are transparent to signals, delivering superior permittivity and low signal-loss performance at high frequencies to better enable high-speed transmission and connectivity.

Consumer electronics manufacturers are demanding better performance because at 5G’s high-end millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies, signals are shorter. They face interference from trees, windows, and even phone cases that can cause transmission issues for mobile devices.

As a result, Avient formulated these TPE materials to offer improved signal transmission up to mmWave frequencies. This higher frequency range is required for faster data transfer, higher data capacity, and lower latency (i.e., data transmission times). 

New transparent Versaflex CE 3140 TPEs are targeted at accessories such as cases for phones and other 5G mobile devices. They deliver lower dielectric constant (Dk) and dissipation factor (Df) performance compared to standard TPEs, resulting in less signal degradation.

“As device manufacturers launch 5G compatible products, phone case manufacturers need materials that facilitate mmWave transmission to maximize signal performance,” said Matt Mitchell, director, global marketing of Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. “Signal quality is critical to reaping the benefits of 5G devices. Our specialty TPEs for 5G transparency provide phone case manufacturers with advanced solutions that allow them differentiate their next-generation products and delight end users.”

Versaflex CE 3140 grades are available globally, injection moldable, and able to be overmolded to PC, ABS, PC/ABS, and COPE. They are a natural color TPE that can be easily colored to match design specs or branding preferences. These TPEs are the latest addition to Avient’s growing portfolio of solutions with enhanced dielectric performance and capabilities for 5G applications.

TECHNICAL NOTE: Both Versaflex CE 3140 TPE grades were formulated to outperform the industry benchmark for phone cases of less than 2.5 Dk at 37 GHz. Measured at 40 GHz, the 65 Shore A grade provides a 2.49 Dk and 0.024 Df, and the 90 Shore A grade shows 2.54 Dk and 0.021 Df. 

About Avient

Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), with expected 2021 revenues of $4.6 to $4.7 billion, provides specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Examples include:

• Unique technologies that improve the recyclability of products and enable recycled content to be incorporated, thus advancing a more circular economy
• Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon footprint
• Sustainable infrastructure solutions that increase energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural resource conservation and fiber optic / 5G network accessibility

Avient employs approximately 8,400 associates and is certified ACC Responsible Care®, a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and certified Great Place to Work®.  For more information, visit www.avient.com.

To access Avient’s news library online, please visit www.avient.com/news.

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Media contact
Michelle Maniscalco
Senior Manager, Marketing Communications
Avient Corporation
michelle.maniscalco@avient.com