EuroWire May 2017

Feature Compounds, masterbatches & additives

Low-smoke HFFR wire and cable compounds get halogen-free assessment from UL

UL has recognised seven Halguard ® low-smoke, halogen-free flame retardant (LS-HFFR) compounds for wire and cable as “halogen-free” in accordance with a new assessment programme, it has been announced by the vinyl division of Teknor Apex. Also listed as in compliance are 14 halogen-free colour concentrates from the company’s colour division. Inaugurated last year, the UL programme certifies cable components as halogen-free in accordance with combustion tests to determine acid gas content, acidity and conductivity. Compliance is listed in UL AATJ2. The seven Halguard LS-HFFR products listed include: • Five high-performance 58000-58300 Series compounds. Halguard LS-HFFR compounds in these series exhibit a higher level of flame retardance than

▲ ▲ Cable with an HFFR jacket

other high-performance HFFR materials without compromising physical or electrical properties. They are recommended for data centre cables, control cables, energy cables, and other demanding applications where low smoke generation and minimal flame

spread are key. The grades certified as halogen-free by UL include Halguard 58100, 58205, 58210, 58215 and 58350. The last two exhibit low post-extrusion shrinkage for fibre optic applications. •• Two low-cost 58600 Series compounds. Designed for general-purpose jacketing applications, Halguard LS-HFFR compounds in this series are more economical than premium compounds while incurring little compromise in performance properties. The series includes grades with enhanced flame retardance as well as lower post-extrusion shrinkage. Halguard 58600 Series compounds are suitable for cables used in subway, mass transit, cell tower, data centre and infrastructure applications, as well as internal wiring in electrical and electronic equipment. The grades certified as halogen-free by UL include Halguard 58600 and 58610. The UL certification for Teknor Color applies to 14 concentrates supplied in pellet form, using ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene (PE) polymers as carrier resins. These new concentrates can be used with the EVA or polyolefin-based halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) compounds currently available. “The Halguard LS-HFFR product line addresses a wide range of application requirements, including physical properties, flexibility, processability, flame retardance, post-extrusion shrinkage and cost,” said Mike Patel, director of marketing and business development for the vinyl division. “The addition of halogen-free assessments by UL further expands options for customers and is particularly advantageous for those seeking to supply installations in confined spaces or public infrastructure such as mass transit.” Teknor Apex – USA Website : www.teknorapex.com

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May 2017