Wire and cable | technology


Demand for polymer in wire and cable applications is on the rise, as are demands from users, producers and regulators. Peter Mapleston takes a look at some of the latest cable compound developments


This year, some 1.4 million tonnes of polymers will be compounded for wire and cable applications in Europe, where consumption growth is running at around 3%/yr. In many other regions, demand is growing even faster, according to data from AMI Consulting, which is part of Compounding World publisher Applied Market Informa- tion. And performance and cost demands from the market and from regulators are increasing too. Suppli- ers of polymers and additives for cable compounds of all types are working hard to meet those demands. Here is a look at some of the most recent developments.


Strength in silicone There is considerable action in and around silicone- based chemistries. Dow Corning, for example, has launched Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch, which it terms as an advanced new silicone (polysiloxane) technology specifically designed to optimise process- ability of highly mineral-filled polyethylene (PE) compounds for wire and cable applications. It is the latest addition to the company’s range of silicone-based solutions, which also include other masterbatches, resin modifiers and additives. “This new masterbatch is the first in the industry to


combine best-in-class processing with an affordable cost,” Dow Corning says. By reducing screw torque, die


www.compoundingworld.com


Geared for growth in wire and cable


build-up and die pressure, the material is said to be able to improve extrusion throughput by up to 110% compared to PE compounds without a processing additive (Figure 1). “The wire and cable industry is moving toward the


use of halogen-free flame retardants but these mineral additives can cause major processing issues due to the high loadings that are required for effectiveness,” says Christophe Paulo, Global Segment Leader, Plastics & Composites for Dow Corning. “Until now, customers were forced to choose between expensive, over-engi- neered additives with higher performance, or low-cost but underperforming products. MB25-502 enables increases in productivity without customers having to pay a premium for unneeded functionality.”


Main image: The move to


halogen-free cable com- pounds


presents new challenges for


processors due to the associ-


ated high filler loadings


May 2017 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 17


s


PHOTO: DOW CORNING


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90