Possibilities with FR Polyamide Materials for Demanding Cable Applications

摘要

EMS-GRIVORY has developed a range of flame retardant flexible polyamides produced from elastomeric block elements offering superior resistance to chemicals, hydrolysis and heat. The term polyamides encompasses a large variety of thermoplastic materials with a wide range of mechanical properties. Apart from the selection of the basic PA type from standard PA6, PA66, PA610, PA612, PA11 and PA12 there are many others ranging from flexible elastomers, lower melting and softer co-polyamides to hard amorphous types and with tailor-made modifications for example to improve dimensional stability, resistance to burning, heat, weathering and hydrolysis which expand the useful range of application for wire and cable. Apart from conventional electrical conductor insulation and cable sheathing, polyamides are today commonly used for OF and POF cables and cables for critical environments. The range of characteristics of polyamides which render them interesting for use in cable are discussed and some of the recently developed types and their applications are introduced. Not only the protection of the cable is important but the materials have to be optimized for efficient production without defects, the key processing parameters for providing a dimensionally accurate coating without damaging the POF are discussed. Some of these products are applied today as polymer optical fiber (POF) jacket materials in automotive applications and fulfill the severe requirements for the MOST (Media Oriented Transport System) system. Here within the vehicle environment they must be flexible enough for easy installation but protect the sensitive fiber from mechanical damage, automotive fluids, heat and vibration. Furthermore these requirements must be fulfilled but the jacket must be easily strippable to enable connection with low attenuation without damage to the POF.