Arkema launches Orevac® 18341 coupling agent for HFFR compounds requiring high water ageing performance

March 2015

A new maleated polyethylene for the production of halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) compounds used in cable applications. Orevac® 18341 is especially useful in improving water ageing resistance.

HFFR formulations are polyolefin alternatives to PVC compounds used in the jacketing of low voltage cables. They have the advantage of generating low smoke density in a fire situation as well as good fire redardancy. However, they require improved mechanical properties and better water ageing resistance. Water ageing resistance is key to maintain cable properties even in a humid environment.

The new Orevac® grade is a polyethylene with a high grafting level of maleic anhydride (MAH). The high content of grafted MAH makes it an excellent coupling agent between polyolefin and mineral fillers such as aluminium trihydrate (ATH), magnesium dihydrate (MDH), brucite, etc. It helps to achieve superior mechanical properties and better water ageing resistance.

Orevac® 18341 can be associated with Arkema polyolefin copolymers such as Lotryl® ethylene-acrylate copolymers and Evatane®ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers to produce zero-halogen flame retardant compounds with excellent mechanical properties even with a low coupling agent content. The typical characteristics of Orevac® 18341 are given below:
there is also a table, pls see the link

This new grade completes Arkema’s coupling agents portfolio:

• Orevac® 18302N grafted polyethylene: general purpose coupling agent
• Orevac® 18507 grafted HDPE: high mechanical, chemical and abrasion properties
• Orevac® OE808 : high-end HFFR application for flexible cables
• Orevac® CA100 grafted polypropylene: PP based HFFR compounds
• Lotader® 3210: unique terpolymer coupling agent for HFFR compounds with improved mechanical properties.

For more information on Orevac® and Lotader® coupling agents and other grades, please visit Orevac and Lotader web pages.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials.

With operations in more than 50 countries, some 14,000 employees and 13 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €7.6 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.