EuroWire November 2016

45 / 88

november 2016 43
news
Technology
lArge-ScAle production of flame-retardant XlPe insulated
cables requires a cost-effective and reliable material solution.
in addition to this there is an increase in demand for safe
halogen-free cable solutions which are effective in preventing
the spread of a fire as well as reduced levels of toxic smoke.
The major challenges for cable producers today are
processing efficiency and short shelf life of existing solutions.
Borealis and Borouge’s new Visico™ Fr compound solutions
overcome these challenges and make the flame-retardant
cable production much easier and simpler.
Based on Borealis’ proven Visico technology, these silane
cross-linkable compounds are produced without the
grafting process of the silane additives. The silane needed
for the cross-linking is incorporated in the high-pressure
polymerisation phase, resulting in products with high quality
consistency that are less prone to scorch during extrusion.
They also have a longer shelf life in comparison to
grafted alternatives. When using this new solution, cable
manufacturers can achieve better productivity and reduced
scrap production, thereby lowering the total cost of
production.
Visico™ Fr4451 – supporting growth of solar energy: The
expected global growth of solar energy is bringing increased
demand for photovoltaic cables to connect the solar panels to
the energy network. These cables need to be flame retardant,
halogen-free and able to withstand significant heat and
mechanical impact.
Visico Fr4451, a new halogen-free crosslinked compound
solution, meets these demanding requirements for this type
of cable while enabling high productivity, quality consistency
and cost-effective cable production. The combined solution
of Visico Fr4451 and catalyst masterbatch le4439 is designed
to meet photovoltaic cable standards TÜV 2Pfg 1169 and en
50618.
Visico™ Fr4450 – pioneering sustainable solution for ul style
building and industrial wires: conventional flame-retardant
compounds for ul style building and industrial wires are
typically halogenated using antimony and bromine flame
retardant additives. in spite of their effectiveness as a flame
retardant, there are major concerns about these types of
additives regarding their impact on the environment and
people.
demanding requirements on wet electrical performance
and mechanical impact make it very difficult to replace
conventionally used solutions with halogen-free compounds
based on mineral fillers. Visico Fr4450, however, combines the
benefits of Borealis’ proven Visico and caisco™ technologies
with a natural catalyst masterbatch le4439 or a black catalyst
masterbatch le4433.
The system is recognised by underwriters laboratories for ul
44 and ul 854 wires meeting the stringent requirements of a
horizontal burn test.
Borealis AG – Austria
Website:
New flame-retardant
halogen-free cable
compound solutions