Explanation Of Flame Retardant Composites For Wire & Cable

Explanation Of Flame Retardant Composites For Wire & Cable

As the cornerstone of modern power transmission and information transfer, the safety and reliability of wire & cable is of paramount importance. In the manufacturing process of wire & cable, the selection of sheath and insulation is particularly critical, they not only need to have good electrical properties, but also need to have excellent flame retardant, high temperature and aging resistance characteristics.

I. The main components of wire & cable flame retardant composites

1. Polymer matrix:

The polymer matrix of wire & cable flame retardant composites usually includes thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and rubber materials such as ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). These polymer matrices provide the basic structure and properties of wire & cable.

2. Flame Retardants:

Flame retardants are key components in wire & cable flame-retardant composites that stop or retard the spread of flame during the combustion process. There are many types of flame retardants, according to the chemical composition can be divided into two categories: inorganic flame retardants and organic flame retardants.

• Inorganic flame retardants: mainly including aluminum hydroxide (ATH), magnesium hydroxide (MH), antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) and so on. Inorganic flame retardants mainly through heat absorption and cooling, the formation of protective layers and other physical effects to achieve flame retardancy.

• Organic flame retardants: mainly include halogenated flame retardants (e.g. decabromodiphenyl ether), phosphorus flame retardants (e.g. phosphoric acid esters), nitrogen flame retardants and so on. Organic flame retardants mainly through the capture of free radicals, the release of non-combustible gases and other chemical effects to achieve flame retardancy.

3. Synergists:

Synergists are usually used together with flame retardants to enhance the effect of flame retardants and reduce the amount of flame retardants. Common synergists include antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃), zinc borate and so on.

4. Other additives:

Other additives, such as plasticizers, antioxidants, colorants, etc., may be added to wire & cable flame retardant composites to improve the processing properties, physical properties and appearance of the material.

II. Flame retardant mechanism of wire & cable flame retardant composites

Physical flame retardant mechanism:

Inorganic flame retardants are mainly used to realize flame retardancy by absorbing heat, forming protective layer and other physical effects. For example, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide will decompose and absorb a large amount of heat during the combustion process, thus reducing the temperature of the material. At the same time, the metal oxides generated by their decomposition can form a protective layer to isolate the oxygen and heat, preventing the spread of flame.

III. The development of new wire & cable flame retardant composite materials

With the progress of science and technology and environmental awareness, new wire & cable flame retardant composite materials are emerging. For example:

Ceramicized polyolefin:

Ceramicized polyolefin is a new type of non-halogen, low smoke, non-toxic, harmless environmentally friendly flame retardant composite materials. It can quickly form a hard ceramic layer at high temperatures to protect wires and cables from flame erosion. This material not only has excellent flame retardant properties, but also has good mechanical and electrical properties.

In summary, wire & cable flame retardant composites involve the combination and application of a variety of chemical substances, as well as complex flame retardant mechanisms. With the progress of science and technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, new wire & cable flame retardant composite materials are emerging, providing a strong guarantee for the safety and reliability of the wire & cable industry.

Conclusion

Wire & cable flame retardant composites involve the combination and application of a variety of chemical substances, as well as complex flame retardant mechanisms. With the progress of science and technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, new wire & cable flame retardant composite materials are emerging, providing a strong guarantee for the safety and reliability of the wire & cable industry. It’s worth noting that YINSU Flame Retardant offers a range of products suitable for wire & cable applications. For instance, microencapsulated red phosphorus flame - retardant agents like FRP - 950X are ideal for low - smoke, halogen - free wire & cable. The composite antimony powder T series provides an efficient solution for enhancing flame retardancy. Additionally, products such as organic phosphorus are specifically designed for TPE and TPU cable sheaths. These products not only meet the stringent requirements of modern fire safety standards but also reflect the industry's commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability in the development of flame - retardant materials.