WIRE & CABLE | MATERIALS
The trend towards greater electrification is providing an opportunity for compounds that meet the tough requirements of wire and cable applications. By Chris Saunders
Unravelling the potential of wire and cable compounds
The wire and cable industry is under pressure to adapt to a wide array of demands from seemingly all quarters. Manufacturers are navigating a land- scape marked by increasingly strict regulations on fire safety and growing calls for more sustainable materials, alongside the usual market forces constantly pushing for greater productivity and cost efficiency. Polyolefin producer Borealis says it is working closely with customers to meet these challenges. Over the past year, it has launched two new PE flame-retardant grades for cable insulation and jacketing: FR6012, which meets the stringent ST12 material classification, thereby enabling high-and extra-high-voltage cables to be safely laid in exposed, overground locations, and Visico FR4452, a high-performing XLPE material for low-voltage building wire insulation. The company is also supporting its customers in meeting their sustainability goals by launching a number of low-carbon-footprint materials including Borcycle ME7153SY, a circular jacketing solution for low-and medium-voltage cables. This fully formu- lated natural medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)
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compound is the first cable jacketing solution based on Borealis’ Borcycle M portfolio which contains 50% post-consumer recyclate, reducing CO2e emissions during production. For customers wishing to lower their carbon footprint still further, Borealis offers the majority of its grades as Bornew- ables, a portfolio of premium polyolefins produced with ISCC PLUS–certified renewable feedstock. Borealis says it is also poised to introduce the
next generation of its Borlink XLPE technology, optimised for power cables up to 275 kV. The advanced insulation system is based on the company’s Supercure Technology and will offer best-in-class sustainability for HVAC cables. Its environmental benefits include a significant decrease in the CO2e footprint during post-pro- cessing heat treatment, reduced methane emis- sions during crosslinking, and minimised use of additives. Productivity is set to improve as the technology facilitates faster processing, increased line speed, and longer run lengths ensuring a lower total cost of ownership and increased yearly throughput with the same assets. “We are moving to a more electrified future
May 2024 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 51
Main image: Growing markets for wire and cables range from domestic applications to e-mobility
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK/MARCO RUBINO
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