EuroWire May 2020

Technology News

Compounds for 5G infrastructure

Precision with Economy

▲ ▲ 5G antenna installation

Teknor Apex has developed a full range of compounds for the emerging 5G wireless infrastructure, including Apex PVC, Flexalloy PVC elastomer, and Halguard halogen- free, low-smoke compounds for every component in the complex antenna cables required. “With the advent of 5G, the wireless antenna market is evolving away from large coaxial cables and toward composite constructions incorporating control and fibre optic cables,” said David Braun, wire and cable industry manager for the vinyl division. “These new constructions meet the needs of wireless telecom carriers, who are seeking to add new spectrum bands while lowering operating costs.” Compounds available from Teknor Apex for 5G antenna cable applications include buffers for high-speed data fibres at the core of the cable; jackets for the multi-fibre core; jackets for the bundles of 600-volt control cable surrounding the core; and sheathing for the entire construction. Mr Braun noted that the suite of compounds offered by Teknor Apex for these applications include variations that meet different specifications from each wireless carrier: “We offer speciality formulations for oil resistance, UV resistance, low- and high-temperature environments, and wet- and dry-rated insulations. Many Halguard non-halogenated, low-smoke alternatives to PVC are available, including a stress-crack- resistant compound for jacketing over corrugated metal armour.” Teknor Apex produces flexible and rigid vinyl, thermoplastic elastomers, nylons, colour masterbatches, speciality chemicals and hoses. The company is headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA, and operates 13 manufacturing facilities worldwide, in the USA, Belgium, Germany, China and Singapore. Teknor Apex Company www.teknorapex.com

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May 2020