Innovative raw material solutions for flexibility, flame retardancy, processing, and reliable performance
Ethylene copolymers for lightweight, highly flexible cable jacketing
Whether used in power, industrial, or data cables, flexibility is a key factor for ease of processing, long service life, and reliable in-service performance. Our broad portfolio of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers offers an excellent balance of flexibility, mechanical durability, and compatibility with mineral fillers.
For applications requiring excellent low-temperature flexibility, polyolefin elastomers such as Solumer® from SK provide an attractive solution. These C2/C8-based copolymers combine low density with high elasticity and excellent toughness, making them particularly well suited for insulation and jacketing compounds used in modern cable constructions.
Flame retardant solutions for LSZH cables
Halogen-free flame retardant systems are a key component of modern HFFR cable formulations. High loadings of mineral flame retardants such as magnesium hydroxide (MDH) and aluminum hydroxide (ATH) contribute to improved fire performance, reduced smoke generation, and enhanced safety.
Our portfolio includes natural and synthetic MDH grades from Europiren (Aitemag) as well as ATH grades from KMT, covering a wide range of processing and performance requirements. For more demanding applications, the portfolio is complemented by phosphorus-based Exolit® flame retardants, synergistic solutions such as the silicone-based SFR100, and expandable graphite grades from Georg H. Luh. This broad range enables formulators to tailor flame retardant systems to the specific requirements of modern cable compounds.
Anhydride-modified polymers and silanes for enhanced filler compatibility
MAH-grafted polymers improve the incorporation of high levels of fillers and flame retardants into the polymer matrix. They promote homogeneous filler dispersion and support mechanical performance while combining the flexibility and toughness of the base polymer with enhanced interaction with polar fillers.
Depending on the formulation requirements, Yparex® 0H380 based on LLDPE, Yparex® 0H284 based on EVA, and bio-based RENEW® alternatives from The Compound Company are available.
In addition, Silquest® silanes from Momentive enhance the interaction between mineral fillers and the polymer matrix in ATH- or MDH-filled compounds. Depending on the formulation, vinyl, amino, and other organofunctional silanes can be used to optimize mechanical properties, moisture resistance, and processing performance.
For cable jelly compounds, TER Chemicals offers polybutenes from DL Chemical. These products feature outstanding water resistance, excellent compatibility with polymer systems, and superior electrical insulation properties. They are used as the base fluid for cable gels in telecommunications, fiber optic, and power cables, providing reliable protection against moisture ingress and water migration.
Acrylic acid copolymers for improved adhesion to metal
In multilayer cable designs, such as telecommunications cables, adhesion between individual layers plays a critical role. It contributes significantly to the mechanical integrity, durability, and electrical reliability of the overall system.
For secure bonding between metallic components and polyolefin-based materials, coextrudable Ethylene Acrylic Acid (EAA) copolymers such as Exxtra Adhere® from ExxonMobil offer an effective solution. Their acrylic acid functionality provides excellent adhesion to metals such as aluminum and other polar substrates. At the same time, they offer easy processing and excellent compatibility with polyethylene and other polyolefin layers in complex multilayer cable constructions.
Improved processing and cross-linking of cable compounds
Highly filled cable compounds require stable extrusion, excellent surface quality, and efficient processing. Processing aids and slip additives can reduce friction, improve productivity, and enhance the surface quality of finished cable products.
To support these requirements, our portfolio includes synthetic and oxidized PE waxes as well as specialty waxes such as Licowax®, Licocene®, Ceridust®, and Licolub® from Clariant, alongside products from the TERWAX portfolio. In addition, siloxane-based PEarlene® masterbatches from Momentive help improve slip performance and surface quality while reducing die build-up during cable extrusion.
For the cross-linking of PEX-b and XLPO systems, Silquest® and Silcat® products enable silane-crosslinked systems via Monosil and Sioplas processes. They support higher temperature resistance, long-term stability, and reliable electrical properties. The resulting Si-O-Si structures also improve resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation.
Performance additives for protection, stability, and functionality
Even after processing, cable compounds need to retain their properties reliably over their service life. Antioxidants help protect polyolefin- and elastomer-based compounds against thermo-oxidative degradation during processing and in service. Phenolic and phosphite-based stabilizer systems such as Hostanox® from Clariant, as well as Evernox® and Everfos® from Everspring, support processing stability and long-term heat resistance while helping to retain mechanical and electrical properties over time.
For cables used in solar, telecommunications, and outdoor applications, protection against UV-induced aging is another important factor. HALS and UV stabilizers from Clariant’s Hostavin® portfolio, as well as COMAX grades from COMA Additive, help reduce embrittlement, discoloration, and the loss of physical properties over time.
In addition, antistatic additives help control electrostatic charge build-up, reduce dust attraction, and facilitate processing and further processing. With Hostastat®, Clariant offers proven solutions for a wide range of polymer and compound systems.
Choose high-performance materials to develop cable applications that reliably meet today’s and tomorrow’s requirements. We would be happy to advise you on selecting the right raw material and additive solutions for your specific application.
Jens Vinke
Head of Business Unit CASE
Telefon: +49 (0) 40 300 501 8013
E-Mail: j.vinke[at]terchemicals.com