EuroWire May 2017

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Feature
Compounds, masterbatches & additives
May 2017 43
UL has recognised seven Halguard®
low-smoke, halogen-free flame retardant
(LS-HFFR) compounds for wire and cable
as “halogen-free” in accordance with a
new assessment programme, it has been
announced by the vinyl division of Teknor
Apex.
Also listed as in compliance are 14
halogen-free colour concentrates from the
company’s colour division.
Inaugurated last year, the UL programme
certifies cable components as halogen-free
in accordance with combustion tests to
determine acid gas content, acidity and
conductivity. Compliance is listed in UL
AATJ2.
The seven Halguard LS-HFFR products
listed include:
• Five high-performance 58000-58300
Series compounds. Halguard LS-HFFR
compounds in these series exhibit a
higher level of flame retardance than
other high-performance HFFR materials without compromising physical or electrical properties. They are recommended for data
centre cables, control cables, energy cables, and other demanding applications where low smoke generation and minimal flame
spread are key. The grades certified as halogen-free by UL
include Halguard 58100, 58205, 58210, 58215 and 58350.
The last two exhibit low post-extrusion shrinkage for fibre
optic applications.
•• Two low-cost 58600 Series compounds. Designed
for general-purpose jacketing applications, Halguard
LS-HFFR compounds in this series are more economical
than premium compounds while incurring little
compromise in performance properties. The series
includes grades with enhanced flame retardance as
well as lower post-extrusion shrinkage. Halguard 58600
Series compounds are suitable for cables used in subway,
mass transit, cell tower, data centre and infrastructure
applications, as well as internal wiring in electrical
and electronic equipment. The grades certified as
halogen-free by UL include Halguard 58600 and 58610.
The UL certification for Teknor Color applies to 14
concentrates supplied in pellet form, using ethylene-vinyl
acetate (EVA) and polyethylene (PE) polymers as carrier
resins. These new concentrates can be used with the EVA
or polyolefin-based halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR)
compounds currently available.
“The Halguard LS-HFFR product line addresses a wide range
of application requirements, including physical properties,
flexibility, processability, flame retardance, post-extrusion
shrinkage and cost,” said Mike Patel, director of marketing and
business development for the vinyl division.
“The addition of halogen-free assessments by UL further
expands options for customers and is particularly
advantageous for those seeking to supply installations in
confined spaces or public infrastructure such as mass transit.”
Teknor Apex – USA
Website:
Low-smoke HFFR wire and cable compounds
get halogen-free assessment from UL
▲ ▲ Cable with an HFFR jacket