WCA July 2018

Ease of incorporation In a standard compound manufacturing line, the Sepiolite Masterbatch can be added at the extruder level using standard feeders. Due to the formulation of the Masterbatch, its dilution and incorporation into the base compound happens quickly and seamlessly (see Figure 5 ). Pellets are easier to incorporate than powder. This kind of additive is difficult to process due to its low density. The (already fully dispersed) Sepiolite Masterbatch provides a solution to that problem.

❍ ❍ Figure 4-1 : 60 µ

❍ ❍ Figure 4-3 : 60 µ

Fire performance results with Sepiolite Masterbatch

Thanks to the structural properties of Sepiolite, homogeneous dispersion and easy incorporation of the Masterbatch, a much stronger and more consistent char layer in the compound under fire (see Figure 6 ) can be found. To prove this, two standard Masterbatches with different common polymers have been tested under fire.

❍ ❍ Figure 4-4 : 60 µ

❍ ❍ Figure 4-2 : 150 µ

are then surrounded by polymeric bases, thus preventing those particles from reforming agglomerates (see Figure 3 ). Once the particles are divided and surrounded by the polymer, the Masterbatch is formed. This Masterbatch is designed to facilitate efficient processing. Delta Tecnic has achieved excellent dispersion of Sepiolite in the polymeric base, be it EVA or PVC, at 40 per cent and 30 per cent of additive content, respectively. Figure 4 shows a classic clay agglomerate in the two photographs on the left, while the two photographs on the right show a fully dispersed Sepiolite Masterbatch. Typically, mineral-based flame-retardant synergists are difficult to disperse in standard mixing/compounding processes. The Sepiolite Masterbatch solves that problem.

❍ ❍ Figure 6-1 : HFFR compound after cone calorimeter test

❍ ❍ Figure 6-2 : HFFR compound formulation with Adins Clay Masterbatch after cone calori- meter test

❍ ❍ Figure 5 : Ease of incorporation

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Wire & Cable ASIA – July/August 2018