PAWTUCKET, RI, U.S.A., March 17, 2014: A new series of low-smoke, flame-retardant thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) enables manufacturers of power and other flexible cords to produce non-PVC insulation and jacketing that do not contain halogenated flame retardants or phthalate plasticizers, while avoiding the processing limitations of highly filled halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) polyolefin compounds, it was announced today by Teknor Apex Company. The series will be introduced at Wire 2014 (Hall 9 / Stand F 0503).
Inherently elastic, Halguard® E 59000 Series HFFR compounds contain no plasticizers but compare well with plasticized PVC in mechanical and electrical performance. They are based on polymer chemistry different from the polyolefins in other HFFR compounds, and they incorporate intumescent flame retardant formulations rather than the metal hydrate fillers used to render the polyolefin products flame retardant. While having flame performance similar to that of polyolefin HFFR compounds and greater oil-resistance, Halguard E 59000 Series TPEs exhibit lower density, lower melt viscosity, and higher elongation at break and avoid the processing challenges posed by high loadings of metal hydrate fillers.
Teknor Apex recommends Halguard E 59000 Series compounds for flexible cords, appliance wire, power cords for computers, HDMI cables for televisions, and wiring for device chargers and USB connectors, as well as other specialty cable applications. Among available grades in the series are three that meet different needs:
---Halguard E 59001 is designed for cords that meet UL 62 requirements and for appliance wire that complies with UL 758. The new compound enables cables to meet the requirements of UL VW-1 and Cable Flame tests as well as the IEC 61034 smoke test. When tested in accordance with UL 1581, Halguard E 59001 meets deformation and heat shock requirements at 150 ºC, compared to 121 ºC for PVC. Its oil resistance makes it well suited for jacketing.
---Halguard E 59002 has a higher oxygen index than the E 59001 compound and provides even better flame properties, but it does not meet the UL 62 oil test.
---Halguard E 59010 exhibits a volume resistivity that is quite high, even in water, making it well suited for insulation. Though it does not meet IEC 61034 smoke test requirements on a stand-alone basis, it provides a level of flame retardance that is comparable to or better than that of the E 59001 grade.
“Halguard E 59000 Series compounds avoid the difficulties of processing highly filled polyolefins while still enabling manufacturers to meet stringent flame and smoke requirements with products that are halogen-free,” said Mike Patel, director of marketing and business developmentfor the Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex. “Teknor Apex will continue to expand this series, drawing on proprietary polymer and flame-retardant technology to further develop HFFR products that are very flexible, are easy to extrude, and encompass a broadening range of end use specifications.”
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