Abstract: A die assembly (10) for extruding a polymeric coating onto a wire so as to impart a matte finish to the coating surface is provided. The die assembly (10) comprises: A) a die tip (13) comprising a tubular channel (22) through which a wire can pass, the channel (22) positioned along the central longitudinal axis (26) of the die assembly (10); B) a die body (12) comprising a trunk (15) and a head (16), the head (16) comprising a tubular channel (20), the head tubular channel (20) comprising a die land (21), the trunk (15) positioned about the die tip (13) so as to define an annular space (25) between the exterior surface (23) of the die tip (13) and the interior surface (24) of the trunk (15); C) a die holder (11) positioned about and in contact with the exterior surface (17) of the trunk (15); and D) a radiator (14) positioned about and in contact with the exterior surface (19) of the die land (21) of the die head (16).

Abstract: The present invention is a flame-retardant polyolefin/thermoplastic polyurethane formulation made from or containing a polyolefin, a thermoplastic polyurethane, and an intumescent, polyphosphate flame retardant composition. The invented system achieves elongations >400% and tensile strengths >1500 psi while the same polyolefin only achieved 100% elongation and <1000 psi tensile strength. Also, the present invention shows improved tape extrusion performance versus a comparable TPU only composition, indicating improved melt rheology/fabrication capability for extrusion applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a halogen-free, flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition based on polypropylene and one or more thermoplastic elastomers with an organic nitrogen- and/or phosphorus-based intumescent flame retardant comprising a piperazine component. The composition is processed easily to make a wire and cable sheath exhibiting a balance of high flame retardancy, good flexibility, high wet electrical resistance and excellent heat deformation properties, and which passes the VW-I flame retardancy test, the UL1581 heat deformation test at 150° C. and the wet electrical resistance test, and also exhibits good tensile and flexibility properties. Also disclosed is a wire and cable sheath made from the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a flame-retardant polyurethane composition comprising (a) a thermoplastic polyurethane-based resin component, (b) a phosphorus flame retardant particulate filler, and (c) a low melting temperature phosphorus flame retardant agent.

Abstract: A composition, preferably a halogen-free, flame retardant composition, comprising in weight percent based on the weight of the composition: A. 1 to 90% TPU polymer, B. 1 to 90% polyolefin polymer, preferably a polar polyolefin polymer, C. 1 to 60% phosphorus-based, intumescent flame retardant, D. 0.5 to 25% liquid phosphate modifier, e.g., bis-phenol-A-polyphosphate, and E. Optional additives and/or fillers. The compositions exhibit excellent strain and scratch whitening performance in combination with excellent burn performance, good flexibility and tensile properties, and good fabrication extrusion characteristics including improved surface smoothness.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., a polyurethane, a nitrogen and/or phosphorus-based, intumescent flame retardant, e.g., a polyphosphate, a non-phosphorus-based burn synergist, e.g., carbon black or a metal oxide, and an optional olefin polymer, EVA are provided. Color-stable, halogen-free, flame retardant compositions comprising a thermoplastic elastomer polymer, a phosphorus-based flame retardant, at least 3 weight percent TiO2 and a UV stabilizer are also provided.

Abstract: A die assembly (10) for extruding a polymeric coating onto a wire so as to impart a matte finish to the coating surface is provided. The die assembly (10) comprises: A) a die tip (13) comprising a tubular channel (22) through which a wire can pass, the channel (22) positioned along the central longitudinal axis (26) of the die assembly (10); B) a die body (12) comprising a trunk (15) and a head (16), the head (16) comprising a tubular channel (20), the head tubular channel (20) comprising a die land (21), the trunk (15) positioned about the die tip (13) so as to define an annular space (25) between the exterior surface (23) of the die tip (13) and the interior surface (24) of the trunk (15); C) a die holder (11) positioned about and in contact with the exterior surface (17) of the trunk (15); and D) a radiator (14) positioned about and in contact with the exterior surface (19) of the die land (21) of the die head (16).

Abstract: A composition, preferably a halogen-free, flame retardant composition, comprising in weight percent based on the weight of the composition: A. 1 to 90% TPU polymer, B. 1 to 90% polyolefin polymer, preferably a polar polyolefin polymer, C. 1 to 60% phosphorus-based, intumescent flame retardant, D. 0.5 to 25% liquid phosphate modifier, e.g., bis-phenol-A-polyphosphate, and E. Optional additives and/or fillers. The compositions exhibit excellent strain and scratch whitening performance in combination with excellent burn performance, good flexibility and tensile properties, and good fabrication extrusion characteristics including improved surface smoothness.

Abstract: Halogen-free, flame-retardant thermoplastic compositions that include a styrenic block copolymer, a low-melting, phosphorus-based flame retardant having a melting temperature no higher than 170° C., and a blend of solid intumescent phosphorus and nitrogen-containing flame retardants. The blend of solid intumescent flame retardants include at least two phosphorous and nitrogen-containing phosphoric acid salts that synergistically enhance the flame-retardant properties of the compositions relative to compositions that include other flame-retardant packages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a halogen-free, flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition based on polypropylene and one or more thermoplastic elastomers with an organic nitrogen- and/or phosphorus-based intumescent flame retardant comprising a piperazine component. The composition is processed easily to make a wire and cable sheath exhibiting a balance of high flame retardancy, good flexibility, high wet electrical resistance and excellent heat deformation properties, and which passes the VW-I flame retardancy test, the UL1581 heat deformation test at 150° C. and the wet electrical resistance test, and also exhibits good tensile and flexibility properties. Also disclosed is a wire and cable sheath made from the composition.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., a polyurethane, a nitrogen and/or phosphorus-based, intumescent flame retardant, e.g., a polyphosphate, a non-phosphorus-based burn synergist, e.g., carbon black or a metal oxide, and an optional olefin polymer, EVA are provided. Color-stable, halogen-free, flame retardant compositions comprising a thermoplastic elastomer polymer, a phosphorus-based flame retardant, at least 3 weight percent TiO2 and a UV stabilizer are also provided.

Abstract: Color-stable, halogen-free, flame retardant composition comprise, based on the weight of the composition: A. 10-95 weight percent of a thermoplastic polyurethane polymer; B. 3-50 weight percent of a phosphorus-based flame retardant; and 0.1-10 weight percent of a low molecular weight epoxide additive other than a novolak polymer or an olefin-based polymer comprising an epoxy group.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide (MgO) compounded into a polymer can subsequently be hydrated in-situ within the polymer to form magnesium hydroxide. In the case of silane-based or peroxide-based crosslinkable resins, the MgO hydration and polymer crosslinking can be done in a single process step, or in sequential steps. In the case of non-crosslinkable compounds, hydration can be carried out after compounding (no crosslinking step). In all cases, steam CV, sauna, or hot water bath are options for hydration. This approach enables preparation of polymer compounds that are flame retarded with metal hydrates yet free of the traditional limitations posed by shelf instability, extrusion scorch, undesired dehydration, and processing temperature limitations posed by metal hydrates.

Abstract: The present invention is a flame-retardant polyurethane composition comprising (a) a thermoplastic polyurethane-based resin component, (b) a phosphorus flame retardant particulate filler, and (c) a low melting temperature phosphorus flame retardant agent.

Abstract: The present invention is a flame-retardant polyolefin/thermoplastic polyurethane formulation made from or containing a polyolefin, a thermoplastic polyurethane, and an intumescent, polyphosphate flame retardant composition. The invented system achieves elongations>400% and tensile strengths>1500 psi while the same polyolefin only achieved 100% elongation and<1000 psi tensile strength. Also, the present invention shows improved tape extrusion performance versus a comparable TPU only composition, indicating improved melt rheology/fabrication capability for extrusion applications.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide (MgO) compounded into a polymer can subsequently be hydrated in-situ within the polymer to form magnesium hydroxide. In the case of silane-based or peroxide-based crosslinkable resins, the MgO hydration and polymer crosslinking can be done in a single process step, or in sequential steps. In the case of non-crosslinkable compounds, hydration can be carried out after compounding (no crosslinking step). In all cases, steam CV, sauna, or hot water bath are options for hydration. This approach enables preparation of polymer compounds that are flame retarded with metal hydrates yet free of the traditional limitations posed by shelf instability, extrusion scorch, undesired dehydration, and processing temperature limitations posed by metal hydrates.

Abstract: The present invention is a plenum cable component with excellent fire retardant and aging properties. The plenum cable component is prepared from a polyolefin-based composition, containing an olefinic polymer and a surface treated metal hydroxide. Depending upon the surface treatment, the composition may comprise other components. The present invention is also a method for selecting a composition for preparing the plenum cable component as a separator and a method for preparing a communications cable therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is a cable comprising one or more telecommunication or power transmission media or a core of two or more such media, each medium or core surrounded by at least one jacketing or sheathing layer comprising a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer and having a relaxation spectrum (RSI) and melt flow (MF) such that RSI*MF^a is greater than about 12 when a is about 0.5.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising (i) a plurality of electrical conductors, each surrounded by one or more layers of a composition comprising (a) one or more polyolefins and, blended therewith, (b) a mixture containing one or more alkylhydroxyphenylalkanoyl hydrazines and one or more functionalized hindered amines; and (ii) hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices between said surrounded conductors.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising, as a first component, a plurality of electrical conductors, each surrounded by one or more layers comprising a mixture of (i) one or more polyolefins; (ii) a first antioxidant selected from the group consisting of poly(2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline); the reaction product of diphenylamine and acetone; the reaction product of diphenylamine, acetone, and formaldehyde; and mixtures thereof; and (iii) a second antioxidant selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-oxalyldiamidobis ethyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propiona te!; 1,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamoyl)-hydrazine; and mixtures thereof; and, as a second component, hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices between said surrounded conductors.