ROHS-Compliant Tpes for Wire & Cable Provide High-Level Flame Retardance, Broad Temperature Range, Hardness Options

ROHS-compliant TPEs for wire & cable provide high-level flame retardance, broad temperature range, hardness options

02-Apr-13

Advances in formulation and compounding technology have enabled Teknor Apex Company to develop a family of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for wire and cable that are RoHS- and REACH-compliant while meeting stringent criteria for flame retardance. Elexar® EL-1934 Series compounds have UL-94 flammability ratings of V0 at 0.060 in. (1.52 mm), meet UL 1581 WV-1 and 1061 flammability tests without dripping, and have limiting oxygen indices in the 28-32% range (compared with 22-26% for conventional flame-retardant TPEs used in wire and cable). All of the compounds are UL 2556-registered for long term aging at 105 ºC, are UL-1581-registered for sunlight resistance, and have brittle points of -55 ºC or lower. Shore A hardness ranges from 58 to 82. Teknor Apex recommends Elexar EL-1934 Series compounds for use in insulation, jacketing, and molded parts for flexible cords, coil cords, and cables in power tools, appliances, industrial robots, welding equipment, and entertainment audio and lighting systems. “Elexar EL-1934 Series compounds are high-performance elastomers that exhibit superior flame properties in comparison with conventional TPEs for wire and cable while meeting requirements for a wide range of end-use conditions,” said Ross Van Royen, market manager for the Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex. “These versatile materials exhibit good resistance to oil and UV, stay flexible upon exposure to cold weather, exhibit good retention of tensile properties upon aging, and provide excellent electrical properties for data, communications, and other low- to medium-voltage applications.”