Tough New PVC / TPU Jacketing Compounds for Industrial Data and Control Cable Withstand Aggressive Environments

September 8, 2011

Apex® P-55003 and P-55004 Exhibit Excellent Resistance to Mechanical Abuse and Exposure to Oils, Chemicals, and Low Temperatures

PAWTUCKET, RI, U.S.A., September 8, 2011: Two jacketing compounds based on blends of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) provide outstanding resistance to the aggressive end-use conditions often encountered by industrial cables, it was announced today by Teknor Apex Company. The compounds will be introduced at Wire Southeast Asia next week by Teknor Apex Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. (Stand K02).

Applications recommended for new Apex® P-55003 and P-55004 compounds include factory automation networks, industrial robots, and other plant systems requiring data or control cable. Besides exhibiting the superior abrasion resistance and excellent tensile properties associated with TPUs, the compounds provide resistance to oil and chemicals, toughness at low temperatures, and oxygen indices comparable to those of standard PVC jacketing compounds for industrial cable. Property data appear on the accompanying table.

“Teknor Apex developed these new Apex PVC / TPU blends to provide durable protection for cable that is in constant movement, is subjected to rough handling, or is exposed to the aggressive substances often found in factory settings,” said Mike Patel, wire and cable industry manager. “They provide a combination of flexibility, toughness, and low-temperature endurance that is well suited for a broad range of industrial applications.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Industrial robot cables are a prospective application for new Apex PVC / TPU compounds.