Flame-retardant compounds for flexible cords

The demand for flame retardants has been on the rise even as requirements become more stringent. World demand for flame retardant additives is forecast to rise 5.4% annually to 2.6 million metric tonnes in 2016. The Asia Pacific region will continue to be largest and fastest growing market, accounting for over half of world demand in 2016, according to a study by Freedonia. Boron and phosphorus compounds are the fastest growing types, according to the report.

Stricter government regulations and industry trends are prompting manufacturers of electrical products to add flame retardant chemicals to a wide range of products that are used every day. But concerns on the impact of exposure to these chemicals to health and environment also pushed for regulations limiting the use of specific flame retardants in certain applications. Thus, the industry has been trying to balance the issues confronting such products.

The growing concern for health and safety has also promoted the use of new materials. A new low-smoke, flame-retardant thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compound enables manufacturers of power and other flexible cords for appliances and consumer electronics to produce non-PVC insulation and jacketing that does not contain phthalate plasticisers or halogen additives.

Teknor Apex Company has launched Halguard? E 59001 halogen-free, flame-retardant (HFFR), designed for flexible cords that meet UL 62 requirements and for appliance wire that complies with UL 758. In addition to appliance wire, potential uses include power cords for computers, HDMI cables for televisions, wiring for device chargers and USB connectors, and other electronics applications.
The new compound enables cables to meet the requirements of UL VW-1 and cable flame tests as well as the IEC 61034 smoke test. When tested in accordance with UL 1581, Halguard E 59001 meets deformation and heat shock requirements at 150oC, compared to 121oC for PVC. As a TPE-based formulation, Halguard E 59001 is inherently elastic, eliminating need for plasticiser.

“Halguard E 59001 is based on proprietary polymer chemistry that yields a better balance of properties than standard HFFR cable compounds based on polyolefins,” said Mike Patel, industry manager for Teknor Apex. “At the same time, our new compound exhibits mechanical and electrical performance comparable to that of PVC while meeting the needs of wire and cable manufacturers who require an alternative to halogenated, plasticised materials.”

The Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex Company is a leading manufacturer of compounds based on PVC, including Apex–flexible and rigid vinyl, Flexalloy–vinyl elastomers, and Fireguard–low-flame, low-smoke compounds for wire and cable.