Low-cost HFFR jacket compound for fiber optic cable combines enhanced flame retardance with low post-extrusion shrinkage

A new halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) compound for fiber optic cable provides excellent flame retardance while exhibiting significantly lower post-extrusion shrinkage than similar compounds with comparable flame properties, it was announced today by Teknor Apex Company, which will feature the new product at Wire 2016 along with a previously introduced low-shrinkage grade (Hall 09, Stand E06-1).

Halguard® 58625 compound has a UL-94 flammability rating of V-0 and an oxygen index of 50%, while exhibiting post-extrusion linear shrinkage of only 2%. The new product is an addition to the Halguard family of compounds providing an economical alternative to premium grades because of their innovative flame retardant formulation.

Low shrinkage is especially desirable in fiber optic applications because it reduces the degree of stress imposed on the sensitive optical fibers during post-extrusion temperature cycling and over time during end use. A low-shrinkage grade introduced in 2015, Halguard 58620, exhibits a Shore D hardness of 54 and shrinkage of 1.3%, with a UL-94 flammability rating of V-1  and oxygen index of 40.0%.

Teknor Apex recommends Halguard 58625 compound for cable used in mass transit, data centers, cell towers, and other infrastructure applications. For outdoor uses, the new product exhibits good sunlight resistance when tested per UL-1581.

"Halguard 58625 compound costs less than comparable premium materials while exhibiting little compromise in performance properties," said David Braun, wire and cable industry manager for the Vinyl Division. "It is the newest member of a series of HFFR compounds developed by Teknor Apex to meet a range of customer needs while providing lower-cost alternatives to other Halguard and competing HFFR products in general-purpose applications."

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