EoW September 2008

technical article New wire and cable solutions for high-heat environments By Kurt Bolz, Flame Retardant Application Technology Leader, Dow Wire & Cable; Peter Dreux, Ph D, Senior New Business Development Specialist, DowWire & Cable; and Erik Groot-Enzerink, Senior Development Specialist, DowWire & Cable

High heat environments, like those found in appliance and automotive applications, offer plenty of challenges for wire and cable compounders, manufacturers and end users alike. Obviously, temperature tolerance is a key performance factor for high heat resistant compounds, but there are many other important considerations including processing improvements within existing manufacturing practices, environmental tolerances and ease of installation and long service life for the end use application. With detailed input from all customers along the value chain, engineers and marketing leaders at Dow Wire & Cable identified a widespread need for solutions that would perform well in high heat environments. The answer to that need is Unigard™ RE (reduced emissions) HFDA-1492 NT flame retardant (FR) compound that tolerates 125°C temperatures and provides important additional benefits while meeting industry and end-use market specifications. Customer needs The global automotive market is a good example of evolving application areas for high heat resistant wires and cables. From advanced modular systems for navigation to entertainment and power doors, windows and locks, these ever expanding onboard electronic systems are driving the use of more and more wire and cable. Especially for under-the-hood applications, new solutions not only need to support the physical properties necessary to impart high-heat resistance, but must also be compatible with the vehicle manufacturing and assembly process, while also providing weight and cost savings.

The automotive market – a good example of evolving application areas for high heat resistant wires and cables ▲ ▲

HFFR or low smoke zero-halogen (LS0H) polyolefin-based formulations, such as those that work well in high-heat environments, typically require high levels of additives, which significantly impact both mechanical properties and processability. This poses unique material development challenges, especially in areas where lower levels of halogenated flame retardants (for example, PVC or polyvinyl chloride) have historically been used to meet flame-resistance requirements. The new Unigard high-heat compound from Dow Wire & Cable addresses these important environmental and legislative requirements by providing PVC-like performance with LS0H advantages at a competitive cost.

For other industries, like appliance manufacturing, similar performance characteristics, such as toughness, flexibility, colour stability and fluid resistance also accompany demands for high heat tolerance. Environmental benefits In addition to addressing performance issues, Dow Wire & Cable is committed to developing solutions that also meet environmental sustainability goals. Industry-wide, plastic articles used in enclosed spaces must usually possess flame retardant (FR) properties to provide resistance to combustion. Though halogenated and halogen-free flame retardants (HFFRs) have both traditionally been used, there is a steady global trend toward the selection of HFFRs, due to lower smoke, toxicity and corrosivity, as well as finished-article end-of-life and recycling considerations.

Specifications Unigard™ RE

(reduced emissions) HFDA-1492 NT FR compound meets

67

EuroWire –September 2008