EoW March 2009

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EuroWire – March 2009 89
Power cable manufacturing,
materials & machinery
PVC elastomers for power cable applications
up to 1,000 volts
For low- and medium-voltage applications, Flexalloy® PVC elastomer compounds are said to withstand high heat and extreme cold
more effectively than standard flexible PVC and are considered cost-effective alternatives to olefinic and styrenic thermoplastic
elastomers (TPEs). Examples of power cable applications recommended
by Teknor Apex include flexible cords, welding cables, and mining cables.
Flexalloy compounds are proprietary products available only from
Teknor Apex and manufactured in identical formulations at the
company’s plants in the US, Singapore, and China. Grades with Shore
A hardness ranging from 65 to 90 are available for both insulation and
jacketing, and all can be extruded at high speeds and in a variety of wall
thicknesses on standard equipment.
With a low-temperature brittle point of –50°C and a high temperature
rating of 105°C, Flexalloy compounds stay flexible under a very wide
range of conditions. They withstand extreme cold, searing heat, and
wet environments without cracking, softening, or compromising the
integrity of the cable. Other notable properties include high levels of
toughness, abrasion resistance, and resistance to oil and chemicals.
Like olefinic and styrenic TPEs, Flexalloy compounds are not only flexible
but also truly elastic and provide a rubber-like look and feel. At the
same time, Flexalloy products surpass many widely used olefinic and
styrenic TPEs in tear and tensile strength and resistance to flexural fatigue. In addition, they retain valuable advantages of all PVCs,
including much better resistance to oils and fuels, significantly greater flame retardance, and wider formulation versatility.
Teknor Apex Company – USA Fax: +1 401 729 0166 Email: Website :
Teknor’s Flexalloy compound ▲ ▲