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Optimization of PVC-free materials in cables
3. Background
The project is a continuation of an earlier project: Alternative to PVC in cables and
connected building installations, carried out from 1990 to 1995.
The main conclusions drawn during this project were the following:
| 1. |
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Halogen Free Flame Retarded cables will be more expensive than PVC based
cables due to
a) higher material price
b) lower production speed due to much higher melt viscosity
c) the compounds do not allow too high process temperatures |
| 2. |
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Outdoor use cannot yet be recommended
a) for aerial cables because of too low resistance to UV light
b) for cables buried in the ground in humid environments due to too high sensitivity to
water. |
| 3. |
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Permanent contact with oils is not advisable. |
| 4. |
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Indoor use offers no technical problems. |
| 5. |
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The Halogen Free Flame Retarded materials (HFFR) are superior to PVC in
case of a fire. Lower toxicity, corrosivity and smoke formation can be expected. |
| 6. |
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Cables with the requirement of flexibility cannot fulfil the requirement
given in relevant specifications. |
During the present project it is the intention to enlighten the above mentioned points
further. The project has been divided in two simultaneously running parts:
| 1. |
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A project for improving the processing of the materials and |
| 2. |
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A material test programme for selecting the materials with the best
overall property profile. |
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