TOYOBO MC Develops High-Tracking-Resistance PBT Resin

TOYOBO MC has developed a new grade of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin featuring high tracking resistance and flame retardancy for applications including electric vehicles (EVs). Announced on November 4, the development expands the company's VYLOPET PBT resin portfolio. The material incorporates a non-halogenated flame retardant designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering superior tracking resistance compared with existing products. TOYOBO MC aims to begin commercial sales of the new grade during fiscal year 2027.

The newly developed resin also offers mechanical performance characteristics, including high flexural strength. Its combination of electrical tracking resistance, flame retardancy and mechanical properties is intended to support applications requiring reliable material performance. The development addresses the requirements of automotive electrical components, particularly as these applications increasingly need to accommodate higher operating voltages.

Potential automotive applications include electrical connectors and charging plugs used in EVs. These components require materials capable of delivering the necessary electrical insulation and flame-retardant performance as voltage requirements increase. The new PBT grade is also envisioned for equipment used in data centers, extending its potential applications beyond the automotive sector.

Industry Impact & Outlook

TOYOBO MC's development highlights the growing importance of advanced engineering plastics in electrical applications across the automotive and data center sectors. Higher voltage requirements in EV electrical components increase the importance of materials that combine tracking resistance, flame retardancy and mechanical strength. The use of a non-halogenated flame retardant also provides an alternative aligned with reducing environmental impact. By targeting connectors, charging plugs and data center equipment, the new VYLOPET grade addresses multiple application areas. Its planned sales launch in fiscal year 2027 will mark the next commercial step for the development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has TOYOBO MC developed?
TOYOBO MC has developed a new grade of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin featuring high tracking resistance and flame retardancy. The material forms part of the company's VYLOPET PBT resin product line. It uses a non-halogenated flame retardant designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering superior tracking resistance compared with existing products. The resin also provides mechanical properties such as high flexural strength, making it suitable for applications including EV electrical components and data center equipment.

When does TOYOBO MC plan to begin selling the new PBT resin?
TOYOBO MC aims to begin sales of the newly developed PBT resin during fiscal year 2027. The company announced the development on November 4, outlining the material's properties and intended applications. The planned sales timing represents the company's stated commercial target. No specific launch month, pricing information or production volume was provided in the announcement.

What are the key properties of the new VYLOPET PBT grade?
The new VYLOPET PBT grade combines high tracking resistance, flame retardancy and mechanical strength. It incorporates a non-halogenated flame retardant intended to reduce environmental impact. According to TOYOBO MC, its tracking resistance is superior to that of existing products. The material also possesses high flexural strength, providing an additional mechanical performance characteristic for applications involving electrical components and equipment.

Which automotive components could use the newly developed resin?
The newly developed resin is intended for automotive electrical components such as connectors and charging plugs used in electric vehicles. These components are increasingly required to handle higher voltages. The material's combination of tracking resistance, flame retardancy and mechanical strength is intended to address the performance requirements associated with these applications. TOYOBO MC has identified these components as potential applications for the new PBT grade.

Can the new PBT resin be used outside the automotive industry?
Yes. TOYOBO MC also envisions applications for the new PBT resin in data center equipment. Beyond automotive electrical components, this represents another potential application area for a material combining high tracking resistance, flame retardancy and mechanical strength. The company has identified data center equipment alongside EV connectors and charging plugs as intended applications, although specific equipment types have not been disclosed.