TECHNOLOGY | WIRE AND CABLE
Table 2. Basic properties of a copolymer cable sheathing compound based on ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA) and different ULDPE polymers containing Brucite+ Ecopiren magnesium hydroxide (MDH) flame retardant fillers
Formulation Polymers EBA
ULDPE, MFI 1
mLLDPE, MFI 3.5 LLDPE-g-MAH
Fillers Ecopiren 3.5
Processing aids and stabilisers TOTAL, %
Properties MFI at 190°C, 21.6 kg, g/10min LOI, O2%
Tensile strength, MPa Elongation at break, % Source: Europiren
4 %
15 10 5 5
62 3
100 4
42 11
110 5 %
16 16 4 4
58 2
100 7
38 11
150
voltage applications of up to 230kV. The company says the new grade is produced under clean conditions and is able to perform at a maximum operating stress of 10kV/mm. The compound is claimed to offer XLPE cable producers the benefits of design flexibility, good scorch security and reliability for long production runs. According to the company, the significantly
was used as the filler. Mechanical properties, melt flow rate and LOI were tested (Table 1). The formulations based on 100% EBA base polymer were found not to provide appropriate mechanical properties. Stearic acid, as expected, lowered both the LOI value and mechanical properties. However, despite the low mechanical properties, the expected high LOI level for the HFFR sheathing was achieved due to the close thermal decomposition points of MDH and EBA. An attempt to improve the mechanical properties using ULDPE was made in a second series of formulations (Table 2). The introduction of ULDPE improved mechani-
Right: Borouge is aiming its Borlink
LS4201S XLPE grade at HV power cables
24
cal properties without sacrificing too much LOI. However, the desired mechanical properties were only achieved by reducing the total filler content. Although the development work is at an early stage, Europiren’s researchers say the results for EBA-brucite compounds in HFFR cable formula- tions are promising. Like ATH-EVA combinations, it says synergetic behaviour is observed in combi- nations of MDH-EBA and natural MDH (hex- agonal particles) provides better flame retardant performance.
Power performance Polyolefins specialist Borouge has introduced Borlink LS4201S for power cables in high stress, high
COMPOUNDING WORLD | May 2021
improved scorch safety lowers the risk of insulation defects and reduces degassing time, which means cable manufacturers can further optimise produc- tion cycles and running times without losing overall safety and reliability. Borlink LS4201S has success- fully completed a type test in accordance with IEC62067 international standards. Hexpol TPE has recently launched a compre- hensive portfolio of wire and cable compounds based on high performance materials, such as VMQ advanced silicone elastomers, traditional elastomers, and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). The company says electrification trends and an increasingly connected population means the demand for power and telecom products is expanding rapidly. Alongside this growth comes the introduction of stricter regulations and industry standards to protect people and infrastructure. “To help industry meet these demands we have
put our experience and know-how into developing one of the most comprehensive portfolios in the market. We offer a unique position, taking a polymer neutral approach to supply customers the optimal solution for their requirements,” says Ralph Wolk- ener, President Hexpol Compounding Europe/Asia. The range includes silicone rubber materials,
CPE, EPDM, NBR+PVC, CR rubber compounds, pigment and additive masterbatch, as well as thermoplastic, EVA, TPE and TPV technologies. Typical properties include halogen-free flame retardancy, low smoke and low toxicity. Materials are RoHS, SVHC and REACH compliant, with grades designed to meet international cable standards such as EN50363 or IEC 60811. Bedding, insulation and sheathing materials are
all part of the portfolio. Application areas include locations containing expensive or sensitive equipment, such as hospitals, airports, train and transport hubs, communication exchanges, power generation facilities and offshore platforms. Grades are also available for telecommu- nication and electric cables ranging from high-to-low voltage. Alphagary has developed a TPE compound for use in charging station cables for electric vehicles that it claims is durable, efficient and
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: BOREALIS/NEXANS
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