EuroWire March 2023

Technology News

Delta Tecnic is highlighting the benefits of fluoropolymer resins

Fluoropolymers: improving cable properties in digital transformation

or in chemical factories where there is a danger of both high temperatures and contact with chemical agents, where they can avoid a decrease in electrical performance or even a power failure. There is increasing demand for the reduction of thicknesses and weights in the cable industry. The insulation properties of fluoropolymers enable the manufacture of cables with very fine insulation, helping to reduce weight and allowing wiring in designs that require extremely small cables. Fluoropolymers are also highly flexible. In applications where continuous movements are required, their resistance to deformation helps avoid breakage in the conductor insulation after long cycles of use. The low coefficient of friction and wear results in a lower loss of electrical energy than other polymers used as insulators. In the aviation, automotive and special wiring industries, the introduction of these materials has been increasing, and the transition to electric cars – requiring battery and charging cables – will result in further growth. Delta Tecnic https://deltatecnic.com

friction, high inertia to any chemical agent, high resistance to abrasion and zero alteration due to light. Delta Tecnic began its offering with masterbatches made with FEP – which is highly transparent and resistant to sunlight – and with EFTE, highly durable due to its chemical resistance and stability in temperature changes and ultraviolet rays. The company has now increased its range by incorporating both PFA, with creep resistance and thermal stability, and PVDF, which exhibits efficient piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. With the new generation of wireless networks (5G) and high speeds, it is important to reduce the weight of cables and increase connections. Fluoropolymers can be used in difficult conditions, allowing reductions in the use of insulation and the dimensions of the cables. The benefits associated with the use of these resins in cables include resistance to extreme temperatures – useful in high performance applications in environments where there are extreme climates with wide temperature ranges. Their chemical resistance makes them suitable for use in heavy machinery units

Delta Tecnic, a producer of masterbatches for the cable and PVC industry, has high- lighted the importance of manufacturing masterbatches and coloured compounds through the dilution of fluoropolymer resin. With the ability to retain stability in almost all chemical environments, fluoropolymers offer high performance to cables, which is particularly relevant in the context of digital transformation. The fluoropolymer masterbatch market size was valued at $426.6mn in 2020, and a compound annual growth rate of 3.6 per cent is estimated between 2021 and 2027, according to a study by Global Market Insights. Growing demand from cable companies is contributing to the increase in the use of this type of masterbatch. Fluoropolymer masterbatches are widely used in the colouring of various products owing to their characteristics, which are claimed to be superior to other thermo plastic resins. After more than five years using this type of polymer, Delta Tecnic points to the combination of properties in terms of protection against oils and chemicals, as well as high thermal resistance. Among the qualities of these coatings are their low surface energy, low coefficient of

30

www.read-eurowire.com

March 2023