The Lubrizol Corporation has expanded its already broad non-halogen flame retardant (NHFR) portfolio with the introduction of Estane® ZHF92AT3 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This new Estane® TPU is formulated for flexible cable jacketing and offers a higher Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI).
Estane® ZHF92AT3 TPU is UL = V0 with an LOI of 33%, compared with a standard rating of 25% for typical NHFR TPUs. This material was specially developed to meet the more severe UL1061 single cable flame test (3 x 60 seconds), while maintaining its toughness and flexibility, especially important for cable jacketing used in robotic and industrial applications. “The new Estane® TPU grade passes UL1061, also for cables having a smaller jacket thicknesses and diameters below 5mm.” says Gert-Jan Nijhuis, marketing manager extrusion EMEAI for Estane® Engineered Polymers.
The importance of flame retardant TPUs in the plastics industry continues to grow, as does the need for higher performing materials that meet increasingly stringent legislation. Interest in non-halogenated flame retardant materials to replace halogenated flame retardant materials is increasing. Last year, Lubrizol launched Estane® ZHF95AT3 TPU, which is a UL = V0 with a LOI of 37% compared with a normal level found in the market. The new product allowed cable manufacturers to meet more stringent flame retardant specifications such as cable tray tests IEC 60332-3 or UL1666 while using TPU.
This enhanced TPU grade is just one of a growing list of products offered from Estane® Engineered Polymers. TPU properties are most appreciated for their low temperature flexibility, superior toughness and outstanding abrasion and wear resistance, in combination with chemical or hydrolysis resistance. Lubrizol is one of the largest global producers of TPU with production facilities in Avon Lake, Ohio and LaPorte, Texas, USA, Oevel, Belgium and Songjiang, Shanghai.
About Lubrizol
The Lubrizol Corporation is an innovative specialty chemical company that produces and supplies technologies that improve the quality and performance of our customers’ products in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. These technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, other transportation-related fluids and industrial lubricants, as well as fuel additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for personal care products and pharmaceuticals; specialty materials, including plastics technology and performance coatings in the form of specialty resins and additives. Lubrizol’s industry-leading technologies in additives, ingredients and compounds enhance the quality, performance and value of customers’ products, while reducing their environmental impact.
With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, The Lubrizol Corporation owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 19 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 6,800 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2008 were $5.0 billion.
Source: specialchem4polymers.com
