Two Telcar TPOs, Including New Softer Grade, Attain UL Component Recognition for TPEs in Wet-Location Uses

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CHICAGO, June 10, 2002: A new Telcar (R) thermoplastic olefin (TPO) compound for flexible cord insulation has received an Underwriters Laboratories component recognition for wet-location uses, as has an established, harder grade of the same TPO, it was announced by the Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex today at Wire Expo 2002 (Booth 528).

"These rubber-like compounds cost less per pound than styrenic, urethane, and polyester thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)," said market manager Phil Scadding, "and because of their low specific gravity they are even cost-competitive with vinyl TPEs on a pound-volume basis. In addition, Telcar compounds exhibit low-temperature and heat-aged performance as good as or better than that of vinyl-based TPEs."

The two TPO compounds are Telcar 3050 (with 75 Shore C Durometer rating) and the new, softer grade Telcar 3050-88 (88 Shore A). Tested in water for seven days at 65 deg. C, the 3050 grade retained 99% of original tensile strength and 103% of original elongation, with weight change and volume swell of +0.38% and +0.34%, respectively. The same grade exhibited a -60 deg. C brittle point (ASTM D-746).

The UL component recognition for these compounds makes them ideal for submersible pump cable and SE, SJE, and SVE flexible cords with minimum insulation thickness of 30 mils and a wet rating of 75 deg. C. For information on UL certifications, log on to www.ul.com.