MOSCOW (MRC) -- Arkema, a France-based chemical manufacturer, has developed Orevac 18341, a new maleated polyethylene for the production of halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) compounds used in cable applications, reported the company on its site.
Orevac 18341 is especially useful in improving water ageing resistance.
HFFR formulations are polyolefin alternatives to PVC compounds used in the jacketing of low voltage cables. They have the advantage of generating low smoke density in a fire situation as well as good fire redardancy. However, they require improved mechanical properties and better water ageing resistance. Water ageing resistance is key to maintain cable properties even in a humid environment.
The new Orevac grade is a polyethylene with a high grafting level of maleic anhydride (MAH). The high content of grafted MAH makes it an excellent coupling agent between polyolefin and mineral fillers such as aluminium trihydrate (ATH), magnesium dihydrate (MDH), brucite, etc. It helps to achieve superior mechanical properties and better water ageing resistance.
Orevac 18341 can be associated with Arkema polyolefin copolymers such as Lotryl ethylene-acrylate copolymers and Evatane ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers to produce zero-halogen flame retardant compounds with excellent mechanical properties even with a low coupling agent content.
As MRC informed before, in order to guarantee flawless bottles to bottle manufacturers, Arkema has developed major technological innovations in protective coatings, combined with an audit and training service, and a product certification that is unique in the profession.
Arkema with annual revenue of EUR6.1 billion is a leading European supplier of chlorochemicals and PVC. Kynar and Kynar Flex are registered trademarks of Arkema Inc. With operations in more than 50 countries, some 14,000 employees and 13 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of EUR7.6 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.
MRC