Alliance Polymer/Polymax Introduce New FR Grade of Thermoplastic Elastomer

September 30, 2010 - Nantong, China - Dr. Y. Martin Lu, Vice President of Polymax Elastomer Technology of Nantong, China, whose TPE manufacturing firm just opened doors through Alliance Polymers & Services in North America, introduced a new fire retardant thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for wire and cable jacketing applications. It was developed as an environmentally-friendly and safe alternative to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or halogenated flame retardant TPE.

The introduction was made at the SPE TPE TOPCON 2010 (topical conference) highlighting thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. in Akron, OH on this date.

The low smoke, zero halogen, flame retardant TPEs are sold as Maxelast® FH7990U and FH7990V to meet UL 62/1581 VW-1 or VDE H03Z1Z1/HO5Z1Z1 specifications, respectively. These TPE-based zero halogen, flame retardant compounds are offered in Shore A hardness grades of 87 or 85.

According to Dr. Lu, “Customers will find these new Maxelast TPEs make a better and more efficient alternative to PVC in wire and cable insulation and jacketing applications. Unlike PVC, these Maxelast TPE formulations are safe – they are non-hazardous to the environment, can be recycled and during burn tests, emit no hazardous gases and have low smoke.

“Further,” the Polymax VP continues, “these new low smoke TPEs, after thorough testing, will not crack at 150°C/302°F, have excellent resistance to aging, have good melt strength and result in rugged jackets for wire and cable with a smooth surface. The material also processes extremely well.”

For more information on the new Maxelast TPE grades in North America, contact: Alliance Polymers & Services, 30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400, Romulus, MI 48174 USA. Tel: 1-734-710-6700. Fax: 1-734-710-6715. Email: info@apstpe.com. Web: www.apstpe.com.