technology | Wire and cable
has been steadily rising in recent months. Sidistar also has a synergistic effect with MDH in
Below: Data cables are a potential market for Teknor Apex’s Halguard LS-HFFR compounds
HFFR formulations. A formulation based on EVA with 57% MDH and 2% Sidistar, for example, shows notably better performance in vertical burn testing than a compound with 59% MDH (160 phr)and no Sidistar. Opti- mal HRR performance is obtained with a 55%/4% MDH/ Sidistar combination (150 phr MDH, 10 phr Sidistar). In addition, improved char formation prevents dripping. Van Sprang went on to discuss how Elkem is working on maximising the synergistic effects of Sidistar with mineral additives in polyolefin-based HFFR compounds. The goal is to bring total mineral filler content under 50% in order to improve mechanical properties such as low-temperature flexibility. Results are said to have been “very promising.”
The challenge of HFFR HFFR compounds are also in the sights of speciality inorganic additives supplier Huber Engineered Materials. Don Mills, Global Sales Director for the company’s Fire Retardant Additives business unit, points out that both fire retardance and smoke suppression requirements are becoming increasingly stringent for electrical wires and cables (as well as a wide variety of plastic parts and components), as regulators seek to improve the safety of commercial buildings, electronics, automobiles and all forms of public transportation. He highlights the example of the
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), which has published new regulations requiring halogen-free cross-linked cables (HFIX) to be installed in public buildings such as apartments. Halogen-free systems were chosen to minimise smoke generation, he says. Huber has worked extensively with several major
wire and cable compounders in Korea to develop HFIX cable formulations using its Magnifin H5-A silane-coat- ed magnesium hydroxide, which enables the cable to
The effect on heat release rate of the incorporation of Elkem’s Sidistar amorphous silica in an HFFR compound based on EVA and MDH Source: Elkem
meet the stringent regulations. “Similar measures have been adopted throughout
the world and there’s little doubt these types of standards will continue to take precedent and become commonplace as time goes on,” Mills says. “With attention rapidly shifting toward halogen-free fire retardants, Huber has focused its efforts on long-range strategic planning to effectively grow its fire retardant additives business to meet worldwide demand.” Huber has completed four key acquisitions since 2010, giving it a global manufacturing footprint produc- ing a wide range of fire retardant additives, including coated and uncoated precipitated alumina trihydrates, ground alumina trihydrates, magnesium hydroxides and engineered molybdate compounds. The company has also been making capital investments in capacity.
Fibre optic options Compounding company Teknor Apex reports develop- ments in low smoke (LS) HFFR compounds for fibre optic cables. Mike Patel, Director of Marketing and Business Development in the company’s Vinyl Division,
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EXTRAORDINARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR TODAY‘S PLASTICS
PHOTO: TEKNOR APEX
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