Solvay Specialty Polymers has expanded its family of Cogegum® cross-linkable, halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) compounds for cable jacketing for the railway, shipboard, industrial, and oil and gas industries. The new polyolefin grade, Cogegum® GFR 380, delivers greater flexibility and superior flame resistance compared to competitive silane-grafted HFFR materials. This material will be included in Solvay’s exhibition at Wire 2014 in Hall 12 Booth B33.
The new grade represents a major breakthrough in the silane-grafted HFFR space, according to Luigi Dalpasso, Senior Vice President, Head of Cross-Linkable Compounds for Solvay Specialty Polymers. “Cogegum® GFR 380 is based on a new technology platform that elevates performance capabilities to an unprecedented level,” said Dalpasso. “This new offering was developed in response to customer demand and adds significant value in demanding cable jacketing applications.”
Cogegum® GFR 380 addresses the inherent limitations of silane-grafted HFFR materials which are typically stiff because of the lack of a plasticizer component. With a 38 Shore D hardness, the new grade is softer and more flexible than competitive silane-grafted HFFRs which typically exhibit a 45 to 50 Shore D hardness. This is particularly important in railway and shipboard applications where cable space is narrow and bending ability is a key advantage.
Cogegum® GFR 380 also provides superior flame retardant properties compared to competitive silane-grafted HFFRs. During burning, the material’s char is compact and protects the cable from accelerated burning. The new grade also offers the same chemical resistance as previous grades to such substances as oil, fuels, alkalines, acids, and service fluids.
Cogegum® GFR 380 incorporates a masterbatch that contains special additives to improve cross-linking action and aging. An anti-ultraviolet (UV) agent for enhanced weatherability is also part of the formulation. The material is rated for use up to 90°C (194°F) and can be adapted for certain applications up to 105°C (221°F).
The material launch is the result of an extensive research and development program by Solvay that not only focused on material formulation and compounding but also on plant-specific features to facilitate manufacturing. Cogegum® GFR 380 is commercially available throughout the world. Power, data, and signal cables are among the key application areas. Solvay said the technology platform will be expanded to include other silane-grafted HFFR materials in the near future.
The Cogegum® GFR series of ambient-cure, cross-linkable HFFR compounds offers superior solutions for wire and cable insulation and sheathing that require a wide range of operating temperatures, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance, and broad chemical resistance.
Solvay
www.solvay.com
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