EuroWire May 2017

Feature Compounds, masterbatches & additives Newmasterbatch from Dow Corning

cause major processing issues due to the high loadings that are required for effectiveness,” said Christophe Paulo, global segment leader, plastics and composites for Dow Corning. “Until now, customers were forced to choose between expensive, over-engineered additives with higher performance, or low-cost but underperforming products. New Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch enables wire and cable customers to maximise productivity without paying a premium for unneeded functionality.” Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch raises throughput of PE compounds with high mineral loadings (up to 70 per cent by weight) by reducing screw torque by as much as 30 per cent. Lower torque, in turn, accelerates production and cuts energy costs. This silicone masterbatch also avoids die build-up and die pressure that require frequent interruptions for cleaning. By narrowly targeting processability issues instead of including extra functionality, the new masterbatch achieves outstanding results at a competitive price. Adding to its cost-effectiveness, the Dow Corning product is highly efficient at lower loadings (0.5 to one per cent) than competitive silicone-based additives. Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch is compatible with low-density PE (LDPE), linear low-density PE (LLDPE) and cross-linked PE (XLPE). It is supplied globally as free-flowing pellets. Dow Corning – USA Website : www.dowcorning.com

Dow Corning has launched Dow Corning ® MB25-502 Masterbatch, an advanced new silicone technology specifically designed to optimise processability of highly mineral-filled polyethylene (PE) compounds for wire and cable applications. This new masterbatch is claimed to be the first in the industry to combine best-in-class processing with an affordable cost. By reducing screw torque, die build-up and die pressure, the material can improve extrusion throughput by up to 110 per cent compared to PE compounds without a processing additive. “The wire and cable industry is moving toward the use of halogen-free flame retardants, but these mineral additives can

▲ ▲ The new Dow

Corning ® MB25-502 Masterbatch ▲

New engineer role at Cable Components Cable Components Group (CCG) has appointed Lyle Topa to the position of polymer compounding engineer. In his new position, he will be an integral part of a product development team for new compounds for wire and cable insulation, jacketing, cable fillers, fibre-optic blown tubing and non-wovens. Compounds will be developed from polyolefins, fluoropolymers and engineered resins, with the addition of fire retardants, nano particles, foaming agents and other value-adding ingredients. Mr Topa joined CCG after graduating last spring from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Since then, he has been participating in a six-month training programme in compound engineering at CCG. “Working closely with the manufacturer, Lyle has played an integral role in commissioning and troubleshooting our new compounding equipment,” president Charles Glew said. “In addition, he has already assisted in developing compounding processes that will create the foundation for future business at CCG.” Mr Topa has developed compounding work instructions (CWIs) that are helping to advance CCG’s compounding operation into the production stage. Last year, CCG invested $3m to develop two Buss Kneader lines that provide the ability to compound materials at below-standard temperatures, enabling foaming agents and high levels of flame retardants to be incorporated into products without degradation. CCG also has a high-temperature, twin-screw line that serves as a workhorse for compounding its flagship FluoroFoam® product. With its compounding lines ready to operate, CCG has begun adding staff with compounding expertise and marketing its expanded capabilities. Cable Components Group – USA Website : www.cablecomponents.com

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May 2017