Cables & Wires

There are 3 main applications of EVA in the cable industry:

Involve the use of relatively high VA content copolymers, usually 18-40% VA containing relatively high proportions of hydrated fillers (HFFR and semi-conductive layer or carbon-black), i.e. 30 –50%.

Cables and wires applications using Evatane® with:

HFFR
Semi Conductive Layer

Insulation Layer

HFFR (Halogen-Free Flame Retardant)

HFFR formulations are generally based on blends of ethylene copolymers (EVA, EMA, EBA) and polyethylene with high loadings of mineral fillers ATH and MDH to optimize flame retardancy, mechanical properties and cost.

The use of Evatane® resins in HFFR compounds brings several advantages:

- Easy process with the major compounding equipments (Internal mixers – Double screws - Buss technology)
- Good fire retardancy properties: Low smoke emission-anti drip
- Excellent mechanical properties: Good aging properties – Excellent chemical resistance
- Good ability to crosslink with peroxides, silan, e-beam to pass the higher classes of temperature resistance (T3).

HFFR Standard Formulations

Polyolefins	+	Filler	+	Coupling agent

Filler Acceptance		Flame Resistant		Cohesion

Evatane® Lotryl®		ATH and MDH		Lotader® Orevac®

Semi Conductive Layer

- It is extruded in direct contact with the conductors of high voltage power cables.

Internal

To eliminate electrical tracking and arching discharges, Cables needs:
A good thermal stability (conductor temperature can reach 90°)
A good adhesion to the conductor and insulation layer
An extremely homogenous dispersion of the carbon filler (~ 40%)
An easy processing (thin layer is required)
To be cross-linked by peroxide and extruded at low temperature

External

To provide electrical protection, it needs:
A good peel-ability at the interface with the insulation layer

Insulation Layer

To prevent electrical breakdown, it needs:
To eliminate water-treeing which results in insulation failure of the cable
To improve environmental stress cracking resistance

Technical Files:

Arkema Functional Polyolefins for Cables - Quick Selection Guide ( PDF)