Silicone-based Technology Improves Processability of Highly Filled Flame-retardant PE Compounds for Wire & Cable Insulation

"1 Environmental and health regulations such as the European Union's REACH and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation have impacted the use of PVC, and a Grand View Research report from 2017 talks about the current, stringent regulatory landscape that is changing the global industry use of PVC.2 As alter-natives, polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) compounds offer excellent electrical properties, as well as ease of processing, cost-effectiveness and a desirable balance of mechanical properties. Evaluating Silicone-based Technology The previously-mentioned silicone-based masterbatch targeting processing optimization was tested against a traditional, multi-function silicone master-batch to determine overall throughput performance. Because throughput is influenced by several contributing factors - including extruder screw torque and die pressure - these were tested individually. To overcome these issues and optimize throughput, wire and cable insulation extruders incorporate processing aids. [...]they were forced to choose between two alternatives: 1. Lower-cost solutions with average or suboptimal performance By adopting a silicone-based technology with demonstrated results, including lower torque, lower die pressure and higher throughput, wire and cable insulation producers can leverage the processability benefits of silicone chemistry without paying for unneeded functionality that is included in traditional, multi-function silicone processing aids.