TPU for higher temperatures

Last month, after my visit to the International Wire & Cable Symposium in Charlotte, I promised write-ups about several new cable jacketing materials available on the  market.

One such product came from Lubrizol, with its new Estane TR92AP7, high-heat resistant TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) resin. Lubrizol’s Estane TR92AP7 features hydrolysis and chemical resistance as well as low-temperature flexibility.

Estane TPUs have been in use as cable jacketing for more than 50 years, but this new line extends the temperature range significantly, with a high heat rating of 125°C.

With this new, higher heat rating Lubrizol saw a lack of TPU-specific tables under the UL 1581 standard, so it set about proposing two new tables with higher temperature ratings of 90° and 105°C. These table changes led to a revised 1581 standard earlier this year. In addition to being rated at these temperatures, the aging time for certification was reduced to seven days, making qualification quicker and less expensive.

Although it can be used for a number of applications requiring injection molded components, including energy, transportation, construction, food, and more, this TPU is highly suited for use as cable jacketing material. It offers maximum abrasion resistance and flexibility.

The flexibility comes from the fact that this TPU helps “bridge the gap between flexible rubber and rigid plastics,” says Lubrizol. In addition to its resistance to high-heat, Estane TS92AP7 features low-temperature (–40°C) bending properties.

The Lubrizol Corp.
www.lubrizol.com/engineeredpolymers