cable
By using an adhesion modifier composition of poly(organo)siloxane compounds and fatty acid amides in the inner sheath and insulation core of the cable, the problems of uneven cable peel force and powder contamination are solved, achieving a more efficient production and environmentally friendly processing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LEONI KABEL GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies suffer from unevenness and powder contamination when controlling the stripping force of cables, which affect the production and processing of cables, leading to surface defects and environmental pollution.
By adding an adhesion modifier composition of poly(organo)siloxane compounds and fatty acid amides to the inner sheath and insulation core of the cable, the peel force can be controlled, ensuring uniformity and avoiding powder contamination, instead of the traditional powder conditioning method.
It achieves reliable and reproducible control of cable stripping force, reduces surface defects and contamination risks, and improves production efficiency and product quality.
Smart Images
Figure CN122136067A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a cable or optical fiber comprising at least one insulating core and an inner sheath, wherein the inner sheath and / or the core insulator of the at least one insulating core comprises a mixture of a polymer material and an adhesion modifier composition. The invention also relates to a method for controlling peel force in a cable using such an adhesion modifier composition.
[0002] The cable according to the invention is used as a sensor cable, or as a signal or data cable, in electrical or optical applications. Background Technology
[0003] The peel force of a cable having at least one insulating core represents the force required to separate the sheath layer from the underlying stranded layers (i.e., from the individual core materials). This peel force is an important factor for the smooth automated processing of cables (cutting to length, crimping, etc.).
[0004] Factors affecting peel force include the pressure in the extruder head, the material being extruded, and the distance to the cooling tank after the extruder head. The core material is typically coated with powder to influence peel force and improve product manufacturing. Complex process control is required to ensure uniform powder distribution across the core material, preventing uneven peel force across the cable, which can lead to surface defects and sheath cracks. Therefore, setting a specific peel force is generally advantageous. Furthermore, without proper precautions, the use of powder can lead to contamination during cable production and processing. Otherwise, harmful contamination due to powder may occur at cable usage and processing sites.
[0005] This invention enables reliable and reproducible control of peel force in cables by adding an adhesion modifier to the core insulator of the inner sheath and / or at least one insulating core material during extrusion. Compared to powder-based peel force regulation, this invention improves reproducibility and avoids powder-induced contamination.
[0006] Compositions containing poly(organo)siloxane compounds and fatty acid amides are used as adhesion modifiers.
[0007] The use of poly(organo)siloxane compounds and fatty acid amides in cables is known, for example from EP 2 987015 B1, in which the composition is used as a lubricant in the outer sheath to reduce mechanical friction between cables. Summary of the Invention
[0008] The present invention relates to a cable or optical fiber having at least one insulating core and an inner sheath layer that directly surrounds the at least one core, wherein the inner sheath layer and / or the core insulator of the at least one insulating core comprises a mixture of a polymer material and an adhesion modifier composition having a poly(organo)siloxane compound and a fatty acid amide. Detailed Implementation
[0009] The cable according to the invention has at least one insulating core and an inner sheath layer, wherein the inner sheath layer directly surrounds the at least one insulating core, and is characterized in that the insulator of the inner sheath layer and / or the at least one insulating core comprises a mixture of a polymer material and an adhesion modifier composition having a poly(organo)siloxane compound and a fatty acid amide, or is composed thereof. The cable preferably has one or more additional sheaths or layers and / or an outer sheath layer that do not contain an adhesion modifier composition, which preferably directly or indirectly enclose the inner sheath layer.
[0010] The cable has at least one insulating core comprising a conductor and a core insulator. The conductor conducts current or light. The core can be a conductive material, such as a metal, for example, copper, silver, gold, aluminum, or carbon. The conductor can be a light-guiding material, such as glass or plastic.
[0011] If at least two insulating cores are present, these cores may exist in the cable in the form of stranded wires. The core insulator is the insulation of at least one core and comprises or is composed of an electrically insulating polymer material selected from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE-S (thermoplastic styrene-butadiene block copolymer), PE (polyethylene), or mixtures thereof, preferably EVA. The core insulator may also contain an adhesion modifier composition, wherein the adhesion modifier composition may be present in an amount of 1 to 15% by weight, preferably 4 to 15% by weight, based on the core insulator.
[0012] The polymer material of the core insulator and the adhesion modifier composition are preferably present as a homogeneous mixture.
[0013] The cable also has an inner sheath layer that directly surrounds the at least one insulating core. The inner sheath layer comprises or is composed of a polymeric material that may contain polymers selected from polyurethane, polyolefins, thermoplastic elastomers, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or mixtures thereof, preferably TPE-U, and preferably contains less than 50% by weight of a vinyl polymer based on the polymeric material. Particularly preferred is that the polymeric material does not contain any vinyl polymers, or that the polymeric material at least does not contain any polyethylene.
[0014] The vinyl polymer comprises ethylene monomers or ethylene monomer units, for example, it consists of more than 50% by weight of ethylene monomers (i.e., ethylene (C2H4) is used to produce the polymer). The inner sheath layer may also comprise an adhesion modifier composition, wherein the adhesion modifier composition may be present in an amount of 1 to 15% by weight, preferably 4 to 15% by weight, based on the inner sheath layer.
[0015] Thermoplastic elastomers describe polymers that exhibit elastic aging at room temperature and plastic deformation upon heating. Examples include polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE-U), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TLE-E), olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers (PTE-O), and thermoplastic styrene block copolymers (TPE-S).
[0016] The polymer material and the adhesion modifier composition of the inner sheath layer are preferably present as a homogeneous mixture.
[0017] In the cable according to the invention, the core insulator or inner sheath of the at least one core material, or both the core insulator and inner sheath of the at least one core material, contain an adhesion modifier composition.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the inner sheath layer is composed of a polymer material (optionally containing additives) and an adhesion modifier composition.
[0019] If the core insulator of the at least one core material contains an adhesion modifier composition, the inner sheath layer may be composed of a polymeric material that optionally contains additives.
[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the core insulator of the at least one core material is composed of a polymer material (optionally containing additives) and an adhesion modifier composition.
[0021] If the inner sheath layer contains an adhesion modifier composition, then the core insulator of at least one core material may be composed of a polymeric material that optionally contains additives.
[0022] Additives can be, for example, coloring pigments, plasticizers, flame retardants, or other substances commonly used in cable manufacturing.
[0023] The cable may also include one or more outer sheaths surrounding the inner sheath. In one embodiment, the (outermost) outer sheath does not contain an adhesion modifier composition and preferably contains TPE, particularly TPE-U.
[0024] The adhesion modifier composition comprises a poly(organosiloxane) compound and a fatty acid amide. The poly(organosiloxane) compound may be present in the adhesion modifier composition at a ratio of 0.5% to 2% by weight, preferably 1% by weight. The fatty acid amide may be present in the adhesion modifier composition at a ratio of 0.25% to 1% by weight, preferably 0.5% by weight. The adhesion modifier composition comprises a poly(organosiloxane) compound and a fatty acid amide, wherein the weight ratio of the poly(organosiloxane) compound to the fatty acid amide is 5:1 to 1:1, preferably 4:1 to 2:1, and particularly preferably 3:1.
[0025] The adhesion modifier composition further includes a poly(organo)siloxane compound and a fatty acid amide, which are preferably incorporated in a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix is preferably composed of plastics compatible with TPE-U, TPE-O, PE, PP, and EVA, and most preferably of PE and / or PP.
[0026] The term "at least one poly(organo)siloxane compound" means the presence of at least one type of poly(organosilicon)siloxane compound (which may be represented by a specific structural formula, wherein different molecules of one type may have different degrees of polymerization), and does not imply the presence of at least one molecule of it.
[0027] Poly(organosiloxane) compounds are straight-chain, branched, or cyclic molecules, or mixtures thereof, wherein silicon and oxygen atoms are alternately bonded. Silicon atoms are typically substituted with two hydrocarbon groups, such as alkyl groups, particularly methyl or ethyl groups. Terminal silicon atoms are substituted with three hydrocarbon groups. Silicon atoms representing branches in the molecule are substituted with only one hydrocarbon group or none at all. In preferred embodiments, the poly(organosiloxane) compounds are non-volatile. Non-volatile poly(organosiloxane) compounds have a vapor pressure of less than 2 mm Hg at 20°C.
[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dimethylsiloxane compound is used as a poly(organo)siloxane compound. The dimethylsiloxane compound is characterized in that the hydrocarbon group substituted on the silicon atom is a methyl group (-CH). (3) An example of a dimethylsiloxane compound is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, dimethyl silicone oil).
[0029] The molar mass of the poly(organo)siloxane compound can be between 10,000 and 500,000 g / mol, preferably between 30,000 and 400,000 g / mol, particularly preferably between 50,000 and 300,000 g / mol, and especially preferably between 80,000 and 300,000 g / mol.
[0030] The term "at least one fatty acid amide" means the presence of at least one type of fatty acid amide (which may be represented by a specific structural formula), and does not imply the presence of at least one molecule of it. Fatty acid amides are organic molecules carrying an amide group and are structurally derived from fatty acids. Primary fatty acid amides are preferably used in cables according to the invention. In primary fatty acid amides, the amide nitrogen has exactly one acyl group. The amide nitrogen may carry two, one, or no organic groups in addition to fatty acid molecule residues.
[0031] Examples of fatty acid amides include: valerate amide, hexanoate amide, heptaanoate amide, caprylate amide, nonanoate amide, decanate amide, undecanoate amide, lauryl amide, tridecanoate amide, myristate amide, pentadecanoate amide, palmitate amide, heptadecanate amide, stearate amide, nonadecanate amide, arachidonicate amide, behenate amide, lignan amide, ceramide, palmitate amide, oleamide, linoleic acid amide, linolenic acid amide, gadolinamide, arachidonic acid amide, eicosapentaenoic acid amide, erucic acid amide, and docosahexaenoic acid amide. Erucic acid amides, nervonic acid amides, preferably erucic acid amide (synonym: erucic acid amide) and stearate amides, particularly preferably erucic acid amine, or mixtures thereof, wherein these fatty acid amides may have two, one, or no organic groups near the fatty acid molecule residues on the amide nitrogen.
[0032] The cable according to the invention is preferably free of powder between its layers, particularly between the strands of at least one or more insulating cores and the inner sheath layer, especially free of adhesion modifier powder. Adhesion modifier powder refers to any powder material used in the cable to affect peel strength.
[0033] The cable according to the invention can be used as a sensor cable, or as a signal or data cable for electrical or optical applications.
[0034] The cable design described herein allows for the setting of defined stripping forces. The stripping force for a single-core or multi-core cable represents the force required to separate the inner sheath from the underlying core or "stranded layer" (a single core). This stripping force is defined over a specified length of the cable under test and has a specified pull-out speed from the sheath at at least one or more cores, measured in Newtons [N], with tolerances typically ranging from 15 to 25 N.
[0035] The cable according to the invention preferably has a peel force of less than 70 Newtons, more preferably less than 60 Newtons, and particularly preferably less than 50 Newtons after storage for 700 hours (25°C; 50% RH). Measurements are preferably performed at a pull-out length of 30-100 mm and a pull-out speed of 30-250 mm / min. The determined peel force preferably has a standard deviation of less than 3.0, more preferably less than 2.0, and particularly preferably less than 1.0.
[0036] The adhesion modifier composition preferably has no migration tendency, so that it does not accumulate on the surface of the outer sheath. Measurements are preferably performed using SEM-EDX, by analyzing the surface of the cable's outer sheath after storage at 125°C for 3000 hours and comparing the detected elemental composition with that of a cable without the adhesion modifier composition. In particular, differences in silicon concentration on the surface of the outer sheath will indicate the migration of the adhesion modifier composition.
[0037] The cables according to the invention can pass winding tests at low temperatures and stress tests and 90° bending fatigue tests under both unaged and aged conditions. They can withstand pressure tests with thermal overload up to 195°C for 6 hours.
[0038] The sheath material (outer sheath layer and inner sheath layer with an adhesion modifier composition) exhibits good tensile strength and elongation at break values before and after aging.
[0039] Figure 1 The cross-section of a cable according to the invention is schematically shown, the cable having (1) two insulating cores, (2) an inner sheath layer that directly surrounds the two cores, and (3) an outer sheath layer that surrounds the inner sheath layer. The core insulators of the cores and / or the inner sheath layer comprise the adhesion modifier composition as described above.
[0040] The present invention also relates to the use of an adhesion modifier composition comprising a mixture of a poly(organo)siloxane compound and a fatty acid amide with an electrically insulating polymer, as a core insulator of an electrically insulating core and / or as an inner sheath layer in direct contact with the electrically insulating core, for controlling peel force in cables as described above.
[0041] By using an adhesion modifier composition, the cable preferably exhibits a peel force of 5.0 Newtons with a maximum spread width, measured after a maximum storage period of 6 months at a pull-out length of 30-100 mm and a pull-out speed of 30-250 mm / min. The determined standard deviation is preferably less than 3.0, more preferably less than 2.0, and particularly preferably less than 1.0.
[0042] The control of peel force describes the desired peel force that can be achieved in a targeted and repeatable manner during cable manufacturing.
[0043] Therefore, the invention described herein enables the manufacture of cables with narrowly defined peel forces. Peel forces exceeding the required specifications can lead to increased scrap, machine malfunctions, or the need for manual rework in further processing. They also result in additional work, customer complaints, and higher waste rates. These disadvantages can be avoided by reproducibly setting an advantageous peel force for the cable.
[0044] Furthermore, the use of adhesion modifier compositions eliminates the need for powders to control peel force, which avoids the disadvantages of using powders, particularly the risks of surface defects and contamination in the environment of cable manufacturing machines and cable processing sites (length cutting, crimping, etc.). Attached Figure Description
[0045] Figure 1 The cross-section of the cable according to the invention. The insulating core 1 is surrounded by an inner sheath 2 in direct contact. The inner sheath is surrounded by an outer sheath 3. The inner sheath 2 and / or the core insulator of the core 1 contain the adhesion modifier composition described herein.
[0046] Example
[0047] Example 1: Preparation
[0048] A cable according to the invention, with an adhesion modifier composition comprising about 1% dimethyl silicone compound and erucamide as a fatty acid, was manufactured by adding an adhesion modifier composition (containing about 1% dimethyl silicone compound and erucamide as a fatty acid) to the polymer material of the inner sheath layer (TPE-U, a thermoplastic elastomer based on polyurethane) via a batching device and uniformly mixing it in a batching device and a single-screw extruder. The mixture was extruded in the extruder head of the single-screw extruder as the inner sheath layer on a sensor cable (two cores, EVA core insulation material). In a second step, an outer layer (TPE-U, a thermoplastic elastomer based on polyurethane) was extruded onto the inner sheath layer.
[0049] Example 2: Peeling Force
[0050] Over a period of 6 months, the peel strength of the cable (cable 1) according to the invention of Example 1 was measured at specific time points and compared with that of a cable (cable 2) having powder (a substance containing fatty acids) between the core and the inner sheath but not having the adhesive modifier composition according to the invention.
[0051] The peel force can be determined by cutting into the sheath and inner sheath at the end of the cable to be tested, fixing the cable and the core in a suitable device, attaching a force measuring device to the cable or core, and recording the force reached when the core is pulled out of the cable (peeled).
[0052] Measurements were performed automatically using the same measurement parameters at a pull-out length of 50 mm and a pull-out speed of 50 mm / min. The determined forces (in Newtons) are listed in Table 1.
[0053] Table 1: Time curve of cable stripping force according to the present invention, in Newtons.
[0054]
[0055] * Sample size.
[0056] Compared with cables that do not have the adhesion modifier composition according to the invention, the average peel force was determined to be significantly reduced, with a standard deviation of less than 2.0, and in some cases less than 1.0.
[0057] Example 3: Surface migration inspection
[0058] The cable according to the invention (cable 1) and the comparative cable according to Example 2 (cable 2) were stored at 125±3°C for 3000 hours. The tendency of the adhesion modifier composition to migrate from the inner sheath to the cable surface was examined using SEM / EDX.
[0059] After aging, a lubricating film was detected on the cable surfaces of both cables under a microscope. SEM-EDX analysis revealed only organic components from the outer sheath material. Compared to reference cable 2, no increase in silicon was detected on the sheath surface of cable 1, and therefore no siloxane compounds originating from the adhesion modifier composition were detected. Therefore, the lubricating film does not contain any detectable amount of the adhesion modifier composition, and the tendency for adhesion modifier composition migration can be ruled out.
[0060] Example 4: Long-term aging
[0061] After being stored at 125±3°C for 1000, 2000, 2500 and 3000 hours, the cable according to the invention (cable 1) and the comparative cable according to Example 2 (cable 2) were subjected to a winding test at room temperature and a tension test according to ISO 19642. The room temperature winding test and tension test were performed according to ISO 19642-2:2019-01 and EN 60811-509:2018-05.
[0062] The winding test was conducted at a diameter of 25.5 mm, a weight of 5 kg, and a speed of 0.2 s. -1 The test is performed on a mandrel. During the tension test, a voltage of 2 kV is applied for 3 seconds.
[0063] No cracks or breaks were found in either cable 1 or cable 2 during any winding test. No faults were found in any voltage test.
[0064] Example 5: Thermal Overload
[0065] After being stored in a suspended state at 175±3℃, 185±3℃, 195±3℃ and 205±3℃ respectively for 6 hours, the cable according to the invention (cable 1) and the comparative cable according to Example 2 (cable 2) were subjected to winding and tension tests at room temperature according to ISO 19642-2:2019 and DIN EN 60603-1-2:2019, and were subjected to room temperature winding and tension tests according to ISO 19642-2:2019 and EN 60811-509:2018-05.
[0066] The winding test was conducted at a diameter of 25.5 mm, a weight of 5 kg, and a speed of 0.2 s. -1 The test is performed on the spindle. During the tension test, a voltage of 2kV is applied for 3 seconds.
[0067] No cracks or breaks were found in either cable 1 or cable 2 in any winding test at 195±3°C and below, and no breakdown occurred in these voltage tests.
[0068] As a result of a temperature test at 205±3℃, the cable's sheath melted.
[0069] Example 6: Thermal Shock
[0070] According to ISO 19642-2:2019; EN 60811-509:2018-05, the cable (cable 1) according to the invention and the comparative cable (cable 2) according to Example 2 were subjected to a winding test.
[0071] A winding test was performed on a mandrel with a diameter of 13 mm.
[0072] No cracks or breaks were found in either cable 1 or cable 2 during any winding test at or below 195±3°C. However, the cable sheath melted during a test at 205±3°C.
[0073] Example 7: Winding test at low temperature
[0074] The cable of the present invention according to Example 1 (cable 1) and the cable of the present invention after short-term aging at 150±3°C for 240 hours (cable 3) were subjected to a winding test at room temperature and a tension test at -40°C and -25°C for 4 hours (cable 1 and cable 3). The winding test was conducted at a diameter of 25 mm, a weight of 5 kg, and a speed of 0.2 s. -1 The test is performed on the mandrel. During the tension test, a voltage of 2kV is applied for 3 seconds.
[0075] No cracks or breaks were found in any winding tests of cable 1 or cable 3. No faults were found in any voltage tests.
[0076] Example 8: Tensile strength of sheath material
[0077] The tensile strength and elongation at break of the sheath material (sheath 1) according to the invention, after short-term aging at 150±3°C for 240 hours, were determined. The sheath material comprises an inner sheath layer (similar to Example 1) and an outer sheath layer (similar to Example 2) having an adhesion modifier composition. Measurements were performed according to DIN EN 60811-501:2019-04; ISO14572:2011-10-01 at a speed of 250 mm / min. The results are listed in Table 2.
[0078] Table 2: Tensile Strength Test Results
[0079]
Claims
1. A cable comprising: -At least one insulating core material, - Inner sheath layer, wherein the inner sheath layer directly surrounds the at least one insulating core material. Its features The insulator of the inner sheath layer and / or the at least one insulating core material comprises a mixture of a polymer material and an adhesion modifier composition, wherein the adhesion modifier composition comprises at least one poly(organo)siloxane compound and at least one fatty acid amide, and -Optionally one or more additional sheaths and / or outer sheath layers that do not have an adhesion modifier composition.
2. The cable according to claim 1, wherein, The cable does not contain powder, particularly between the at least one insulating core and the inner sheath layer, and especially no adhesive modifier powder.
3. The cable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cable is suitable for use as a sensor cable.
4. The cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The polymer material of the insulator of the at least one core material comprises a polymer selected from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPES (thermoplastic styrene-butadiene block copolymer), PE (polyethylene), or a mixture thereof, preferably EVA.
5. The cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The polymer material of the inner sheath layer comprises polymers selected from polyurethane, polyolefins, thermoplastic elastomers, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or mixtures thereof, preferably TPE-U, and preferably contains less than 50% by weight of a vinyl polymer, particularly polyethylene, based on the polymer material.
6. The cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The insulation of the inner sheath layer and / or the at least one core material is composed of a polymer material, which optionally includes additives and the adhesion modifier composition.
7. The cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mixture of the polymer material and the adhesion modifier composition of the inner sheath layer and / or the mixture of the polymer material and adhesion modifier components of the insulator of the at least one core material are homogeneous.
8. The cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adhesion modifier composition is present in the inner sheath layer at a content of 1 to 15% by weight, preferably 4 to 15% by weight, based on the inner sheath layer, and / or in the insulator of the at least one core material at a content of 1 to 15% by weight, preferably 4 to 15% by weight, based on the insulator of the at least one core material, wherein the adhesion modifier composition preferably comprises 1% by weight of at least one poly(organo)siloxane compound and 0.5% by weight of at least one fatty amide.
9. The cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adhesion modifier composition comprises at least one poly(organo)siloxane compound and at least one fatty amide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 1:
1.
10. The cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one poly(organo)siloxane compound is a dimethylsiloxane compound, and / or the at least one poly(organosiloxane)siloxane compound has a molecular weight between 10,000 and 500,000 g / mol.
11. The cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cable has a peel force of less than 70 Newtons, preferably less than 3.0, more preferably less than 2.0, and particularly preferably less than 1.0, after being stored for 700 hours at a pull-out length of 30-100mm and a pull-out speed of 30-250mm / min.
12. The cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, After 3000 hours at 125°C, as analyzed by SEM-EDX, the adhesion modifier showed no tendency to migrate, wherein the adhesion modifier composition did not accumulate on the surface of the outer sheath layer.
13. Use of an adhesion modifier composition for controlling peel force in a cable according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the adhesion modifier composition comprising at least one poly(organo)siloxane compound and at least one fatty acid amide mixed with an electrically insulating polymer, the electrically insulating polymer serving as an insulator for at least one electrically insulating core and / or as an inner sheath layer in direct contact with said at least one electrically insulating core.
14. Use of the adhesion modifier composition according to claim 13, wherein, The cable, after a maximum storage period of 6 months, has a maximum spread width of 5.0 Newtons of peel force, measured at a pull-out length of 30mm-100mm and a pull-out speed of 30-250mm / min. The standard deviation is preferably less than 3.0, more preferably less than 2.0, and particularly preferably less than 1.0.