For cable manufacturers and suppliers in the IT and entertainment electronics sector, KRAIBURG TPE (Germany) has developed number of special halogen-free and flame-resistant TPE compounds that meet the most stringent flame-resistance requirements of the relevant European and US standards. According to the Company, TPE sheathing does not cause toxic or carcinogenic fumes in the event of fire as opposed to PVC sheathing. This property makes the TPE material an interesting option for all companies that take health concerns and the protection of the environment seriously. The new compounds comply with the European RoHS directive and contain no hazardous ingredients, says the company. They are thus free of heavy metals and organic halogen compounds such as polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
The sheathing material made from the new TPE successfully passed the VW-1 vertical flame test, which is the most demanding flame test for single cables. In addition to outstanding flame resistance, the new compound is said to have number of other properties very high tensile strength as well as excellent flexibility and surface quality. "To achieve high flame resistance on the one hand and good strength and surface properties on the other was a balancing act. We mastered this challenge by using a halogen-free intumescence flame retardation system that is compatible with the polymer matrix. This compound is added in quantities that are much lower than those normally used with conventional halogen-free flame retardants." explains Dr. Markus Beitzel, Director of Product Technology at KRAIBURG TPE.
13-Jul-09 
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