WCA July 2016

Technology news

H&R Group has been focusing on its expertise in plasticising oils for polymer compounding, along with water blocking technology and dielectric compounds for the energy, telecommunication and fibre optic sectors. Two areas that were of particular interest to visitors at the recent wire 2016 exhibition were plasticising oils for polymer compounding and the water blocking of XLPE cables. In Europe, the wire and cable sector is one of the largest users of PVC for cable sheathing and insulation. Without plasticisers the cable sheathing and insulation would become brittle and crack, resulting in safety and down-time issues for cable networks. H&R, with extensive experience in this area, offers a range of plasticisers with different viscosities to meet the requirements of both cable designers and polymer compounders. Its Pionier oils range is seen as an alternative to phthalates and is also suited to NBR in a number of sheathing and insulation applications. Used since the late 1960s, XLPE cables have brought cost, performance and environmental benefits to cable networks around the world. In order to maintain reliability of XLPE cables the H&R Group has developed Strandblok, specifically for the sealing of conductor strands in AC and DC XLPE cables. Based on synthetic hydrocarbons and fillers, Strandblok offers cable designers compatibility with polymers used in cable construction, as well as exhibiting water resistance – making it suitable for offshore/subsea applications. H&R Group – UK Website : www.hur.com Experts for plasticising oils

❍ Focusing on its expertise

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Wire & Cable ASIA – July/August 2016

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