Abstract: A molded or extruded article, e.g., an electrical part or shielded cable, comprises at least one insulation layer and at least one semiconductive layer, the semiconductive layer thick and comprising in weight percent: A. 1 to 30 wt % of conductive filler; B. 10 to 90 wt % of a non-olefin elastomer; C. 10 to 90 wt % of an olefin elastomer; and D. Optionally, 0.5 to 2.5 wt % of peroxide. Carbon black and/or metal particulates or powder typically comprise the filler, silicone or urethane rubber the non-olefin elastomer, and EPR or EPDM the olefin elastomer.

Abstract: Tapes comprising (A) a first ribbon comprising (1)(a) a polyolefin containing at least one silane functionality, and (1)(b) a hydroxy-terminated silicone polymer, or (2) a blend of a vinyl silane, polyolefin, organic initiator, e.g., peroxide, and a hydroxy-terminated silicone polymer, and (B) a second ribbon comprising a catalyst masterbatch, the second ribbon carried on the first ribbon, allow for the delivery of a consistent mixture of resin and catalyst to an injection molding machine.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a dielectric fluid. The dielectric fluid includes an algae oil. The algae oil includes a natural algae antioxidant. The natural algae antioxidant is selected from ?-carotene, astaxanthin, tocopherol, polyunsaturated triglycerides, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Strength members for cable, particularly fiber optic cable, are made by a method comprising the steps of: A. Wetting a fiber, e.g., fiberglass fiber, with an aqueous polymeric dispersion to form a wetted fiber, the dispersion comprising: 1. At least one thermoplastic resin, e.g., a polyolefin; 2. At least one dispersing agent, e.g., a ethylene ethyl acrylate polymer; and 3. Water; B. Removing the water from the wetted fiber, and C. Consolidating the resin on the fiber with or without curing.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a plasticizer system with improved electrical properties. The plasticizer system includes (a) a primary plasticizer consisting of an epoxidized vegetable oil and (b) a secondary plasticizer consisting of an epoxidized fatty acid ester, where the primary plasticizer is present in an amount greater than 50% by weight of the total plasticizer system weight.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multilayer article, the article comprising two crosslinked semiconductive layers separated by and bonded to an insulation layer, the semiconductive layers formed from a peroxide-crosslinkable olefin elastomer and the insulation layer comprising composition comprising a silane-grafted olefinic elastomer, the process comprises the steps of: (A) injecting the silane-grafted olefinic elastomer between the two crosslinked semiconductive layers so as to have direct contact with each semiconductive layer, and (B) crosslinking the silane-grafted olefinic elastomer in the absence of a peroxide catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric compositions with improved breakdown strength. The polymeric compositions contain a polyolefin and a voltage stabilizing agent. The voltage stabilizing agent contains a triazine. The triazine may include a substituent that enables keto-enol tautomerism, which provides the voltage stabilizing agent with additional energy dissipation capacity. The present polymeric compositions exhibit improved breakdown strength when applied as an insulating layer for power cable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fiber reinforced plastic material with improved flexibility and high tensile strength for use in optic cables. The strength member composition comprises a polypropylene based thermoplastic resin, a continuous fiber having a modulus greater than 80 PGa, and talc.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprise a (i) silane-functionalized polymer, e.g., a polyethylene grafted with vinyl triethoxy silane, (H) polyfunctional alcohol e.g., ?,?,??,??˜tetramethyl-I,3-benzenediethanol and, optionally, (iii) acid, e.g., an alkylated aryl disulfonic acid. The use of polyfunctional alcohols in the absence of a strong acid yields a light-crosslinking of the silane-functionalized polymer and this, in turn, provides a polymer melt with improved extensional properties such as elongational viscosity and melt strength. The use of a polyfunctional alcohol in combination with a blocked strong acid provides a slow rate of crosslinking during melt processing and a high degree of ultimate crosslinking after the polymer composition has been shaped or molded.

Abstract: Compositions comprising: A. Ethylene-based polymer, e.g., LDPE; B. Polyalkylene glycol, e.g., PEG; C. Tertiary hindered amine stabilizer; D. Sulphur-containing hindered phenol antioxidant; E. Peroxide; and F. Optional coagent are useful in the preparation of TRXLPE insulation for medium voltage cable that exhibits a commercially desirable balance of long term heat aging retardancy and water-tree resistance.

Abstract: Silicone-thermoplastic polymer reactive blends and copolymer products are prepared using economical post-reactor reactive mixing, e.g., extrusion. The procedure is based on the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic siloxanes within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. In a preferred mode, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyolefin, optionally containing silane groups that are available for reaction with the silicone polymer that is formed in situ. The resulting materials provide hybrid performance that can extend the range of applications beyond those which are served by thermoplastic polymers or silicones alone, or their physical blends.

Abstract: Thiobis phenolic antioxidants are efficiently dry or melt blended with a tree-resistant, crosslinkable polyethylene by first forming a blend, preferably a dry blend, of the antioxidant with a polyalkylene glycol (PAG), and then mixing the blend with the polyethylene. The incorporation of thiobis phenolic antioxidant and PAG blend into polyethylene provides the PE with high oxidative induction time (OIT) which is a measure of the oxidative stability of the PE.

Abstract: Plastic optical fibers or plastic optical fiber cores with good high temperature resistance to optical attenuation loss are prepared from a cyclic block copolymer characterized by a: A. Weight ratio of hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer block to hydrogenated vinyl aromatic polymer block of 35:65 to 10:90; B. Number average molecular weight (Mn) of from 40,000 to 150,000, grams per mole (g/mol); and C. Hydrogenation level such that each hydrogenated vinyl aromatic polymer block and each hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer block has a hydrogenation level of at least 95 percent.

Abstract: Polymer blends comprising a first phase comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane matrix and a second phase comprising a crosslinked polar olefin polymer are provided. The first phase is a continuous phase and the second phase can be co-continuous with the first phase, or dispersed as a non-continuous phase in the first phase. The first phase further comprises a metal hydroxide flame retardant and an organic flame retardant. The second phase further includes a metal hydroxide which is coupled to the olefin polymer via a silane coupling agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crosslinkable mixture comprising a polyolefin, an alkoxysilane, an organopolysiloxane, a free radical initiator and a liquid polymer modifier. The organopolysiloxane contains two or more hydroxyl end groups. When the crosslinkable mixture is melt-shaped, a unique crosslinked composition is formed. The liquid polymer modifier improves flexibility of the melt-shaped article without decreasing dielectric strength.

Abstract: Crosslinked, melt-shaped articles are manufactured by a process that does not require the use of post-shaping external heat or moisture, the process comprising the steps of: A. Forming a crosslinkable mixture of a 1. Organopolysiloxane containing one or more functional end groups; and 2. Silane-grafted or silane-copolymerized polyolefin; and B. Melt-shaping and partially crosslinking the mixture; and C. Cooling and continuing crosslinking the melt-shaped article. Crosslinking is promoted by the addition of a catalyst to the mixture before or during melt-shaping or to the melt-shaped article.

Abstract: The present invention is a moisture crosslinkable composition. It may be (i) a blend of a nonpolar polyolefin and a second highly polar or amorphous polyolefin or (ii) a copolymer of a nonpolar polyolefin and the second polar or amorphous polyolefin. The present invention is useful for the preparation of moisture-cured wires, cables, film, pipe, hot melt adhesives, and other extruded or injection molded articles. The present invention is also useful in the preparation of media for fast transport of selective species, including film membranes.

Abstract: A molded or extruded article, e.g., an electrical part or shielded cable, comprises at least one insulation layer and at least one semiconductive layer, the semiconductive layer thick and comprising in weight percent: A. 1 to 30 wt % of conductive filler; B. 10 to 90 wt % of a non-olefin elastomer; C. 10 to 90 wt % of an olefin elastomer; and D. Optionally, 0.5 to 2.5 wt % of peroxide. Carbon black and/or metal particulates or powder typically comprise the filler, silicone or urethane rubber the non-olefin elastomer, and EPR or EPDM the olefin elastomer.

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.