EuroWire May 2017

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Feature
Compounds, masterbatches & additives
May 2017 45
Dow Corning has launched Dow Corning ® MB25-502
Masterbatch, an advanced new silicone technology specifically
designed to optimise processability of highly mineral-filled
polyethylene (PE) compounds for wire and cable applications.
This new masterbatch is claimed to be the first in the industry
to combine best-in-class processing with an affordable cost.
By reducing screw torque, die build-up and die pressure, the
material can improve extrusion throughput by up to 110 per
cent compared to PE compounds without a processing additive.
“The wire and cable industry is moving toward the use of
halogen-free flame retardants, but these mineral additives can
cause major processing issues due to the high loadings that are
required for effectiveness,” said Christophe Paulo, global segment
leader, plastics and composites for Dow Corning.
“Until now, customers were forced to choose between
expensive, over-engineered additives with higher performance,
or low-cost but underperforming products. New Dow Corning
MB25-502 Masterbatch enables wire and cable customers to
maximise productivity without paying a premium for unneeded
functionality.”
Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch raises throughput of PE
compounds with high mineral loadings (up to 70 per cent by
weight) by reducing screw torque by as much as 30 per cent.
Lower torque, in turn, accelerates production and cuts energy
costs. This silicone masterbatch also avoids die build-up and die
pressure that require frequent interruptions for cleaning.
By narrowly targeting processability issues instead of including
extra functionality, the new masterbatch achieves outstanding
results at a competitive price. Adding to its cost-effectiveness,
the Dow Corning product is highly efficient at lower loadings (0.5
to one per cent) than competitive silicone-based additives.
Dow Corning MB25-502 Masterbatch is compatible with
low-density PE (LDPE), linear low-density PE (LLDPE) and
cross-linked PE (XLPE). It is supplied globally as free-flowing
pellets.
Dow Corning – USA Website:
New engineer role at
Cable Components
Cable Components Group (CCG) has appointed Lyle Topa to the position of polymer
compounding engineer.
In his new position, he will be an integral part of a product development team for
new compounds for wire and cable insulation, jacketing, cable fillers, fibre-optic
blown tubing and non-wovens. Compounds will be developed from polyolefins,
fluoropolymers and engineered resins, with the addition of fire retardants, nano
particles, foaming agents and other value-adding ingredients.
Mr Topa joined CCG after graduating last spring from the University of Rhode
Island with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Since then, he has been
participating in a six-month training programme in compound engineering at CCG.
“Working closely with the manufacturer, Lyle has played an integral role in
commissioning and troubleshooting our new compounding equipment,” president
Charles Glew said. “In addition, he has already assisted in developing compounding
processes that will create the foundation for future business at CCG.”
Mr Topa has developed compounding work instructions (CWIs) that are helping to
advance CCG’s compounding operation into the production stage. Last year, CCG
invested $3m to develop two Buss Kneader lines that provide the ability to compound
materials at below-standard temperatures, enabling foaming agents and high levels of
flame retardants to be incorporated into products without degradation. CCG also has
a high-temperature, twin-screw line that serves as a workhorse for compounding its
flagship FluoroFoam® product.
With its compounding lines ready to operate, CCG has begun adding staff with
compounding expertise and marketing its expanded capabilities.
Cable Components Group – USA
Website:
Newmasterbatch from Dow Corning
▲ ▲ The new Dow
Corning® MB25-502
Masterbatch
▲