MATERIALS | WIRE & CABLE
Delivering gains in cables
Main image: Polymer and additive suppliers are developing new products to suit all types of cable, including specialties
IMAGE: IMAGE: HEXPOL/ISTOCK
Polymer and additive producers are developing new grades that allow cable producers to cut cost and improve product quality, writes Chris Smith
As providers of critical infrastructure, electricity network providers are, perhaps unsurprisingly, a little conservative. But they are certainly not closed to new ideas and the need to both expand and rebalance grids to accommodate shifting energy generating locations and user demands intensifies the focus on cost, reliability and performance of cable systems, as well as sustainability. This article takes a look at some of the latest compound and additive innovations for production of wire and cable. International polymer compounding group
Hexpol has developed a comprehensive materials portfolio for the growing cable market covering thermoset elastomers as well as thermoplastic HFFR and TPE, EVA and TPV grades and colour and additive masterbatches. According to Carsten Rüter, President of Hexpol
Compounding Europe/Asia, the company sees big opportunities in the renewable energy sector, in particular. “Our cable compounds can be found in solar applications, wind parks and other decentral- ised power generations with cable networks on
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land, offshore or underwater. They are highly resistant to extreme outdoor conditions and can be used for flexible or permanent installations,” he says. The company recently strengthened its capabili- ties in thermolastic HFFR cable compounds with the acquisition of Spanish compounder Vicom. With a capacity of around 30,000 tonnes/yr, it was acquired in 2021 and specialises in polyolefin HFFR and LSHF compounds. Hexpol has also developed a methodology for calculating Product Carbon Footprints (PCF) of its materials to meet growing demands for sustainability data from customers. A recent study showed that a newly developed LSHF grade from its Dryflex Cable series offered a 24 % reduction in kg CO2e per kg of material compared with standard grades. The grade is suitable for cable insulation and sheathing applications. PEX technology provides high levels of performance for cable applications but presents
Below: Decentralised renewable energy is a key target sector for Hexpol
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May 2023 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 31
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