Is the issue bromine or halogens?  PTFE also contains a halogen.
Mike McMaster
RF Product Engineer
Merix Corporation
503-992-4263

> ----------
> From:         Manfred Huschka[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     TechNet E-Mail Forum.;Manfred Huschka
> Sent:         Thursday, July 08, 1999 10:13 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: [TN] FR4 Replacement
>
> The issue is revolving around the brominated flame retardant
> Tetrabromobisphenol A, which the
> resin manufacturers have to add to epoxy resin to achieve V-0
> flammabiliy rating.
> Alternatives are based on phosphorous compounds.
>
> Most polyimides do not contain bromine, but as you indicate,
> polyimides are several times as
> expensive as FR4. For high-speed digital work you could use low cost
> PTFE/woven glass base
> materials, like RF-35 from Taconic, which are in the BT-Epoxy price
> range. PTFE base
> materials do not contain any flame retardant and are V-0 approved (due
> to the fluorine in the
> molecular structure).
>
> Manfred Huschka
> Taconic
>
> ------------------------
>   From: "Hollandsworth, Ron" <[log in to unmask]>
>   Subject: [TN] FR4 Replacement
>   Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 10:30:45 -0500
>   To: [log in to unmask]
>
>
> Hello TechNet
>
> I have observed tons of conversation on Lead Free issues and
> speculation
> which is great, however, I have a question concerning the replacement
> of
> board material.  Specifically FR4.  I have heard that there is concern
> surrounding the flame retardant used in FR4 and therefore FR4 may have
> to be
> replaced by some other board material.  Polyimide may be an option,
> but what
> will that do to cost.  Is polyimide more expensive?  Are there other
> options?
>
> Ron Hollandsworth
> Ops Task Leader AME Group
> ITT
>
>
> ---------------End of Original Message-----------------
>
> --------------------------------------------------------
> Manfred Huschka
> Taconic Advanced Dielectric Division
> Mullingar Business Park
> Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
> Republic of Ireland
>
> NEW MOBILE PHONE NO.: +353/87/2858528
>
> Office until July 31/1999: PF 1275, D-51676 Wipperfuerth, Germany
>                            Tel.: +49 2267 888004
>                            Fax:  +49 2267 888005
>
>        after August 1/1999: Mullingar, Ireland
>                             Tel. +353 44 34080 (direct)
>                             Fax. +353 44 44369
>
> E-mail: Manfred Huschka <[log in to unmask]>
> Web: http://www.taconic-add.com
> Date: 07/08/99
> Time: 18:13:01
>
> Taconic is exhibiting at European Microwave Week in Munich (Germany)
> October 5 - 7, 1999. We look forward to meet you on our stand no. 16A.
> http://www.eumw.com
>
> This message was sent by Z-Mail Pro - from NetManage
> NetManage - delivers Standards Based IntraNet Solutions
> --------------------------------------------------------
>