Flame-retardant topic at cable conference

The flame-retardant performance of cables was a major topic of discussion at the 8th AMI International Conference in Cologne, Germany.

Wire and cable is now considered a building material under EU law and the European Construction Products Directive classifies cables by their fire safety performance but the testing protocols are still being worked out.

Dr Andrea Bacher of Wacker Chemie reviewed new silicones being used for wire and cable and outlined their greater heat-resisting properties.

New metal hydrate flame retardants for high process temperatures were discussed by Dr Rainer Sauerwein, who looked at future trends in flame retardants.

New materials for cable construction were introduced at the conference, including high-performance polymers, co-polyester resins for demanding cable applications and recyclable polypropylene wire for motor vehicles.

Polyolefin compounds are being developed for the international cable industry, maintained one speaker, while another looked at how bedding compound design can affect flame retardancy and also save money.

Nanocomposite retardants came under discussion with the speaker telling delegates that layered double hydroxides have a major synergistic effect with halogen retardants.

Dr Gunter Beyer said they appear to act by altering the degradation pathways and imparting barrier properties.