Halogen-Free Cable Sheathing Composition for Flame Retardancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cable insulation and sheathing materials that are substantially free of halogen-containing compounds while maintaining flame retardant and physical attributes, as halogenated materials produce corrosive, toxic gases and dense smoke during fires.
Innovation Solution
A halogen-free polymer composite comprising 100 parts by weight of a polymer material, including ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene/α-olefin copolymer, and olefin block copolymer, with hydrated magnesium oxide flame-retardant and antimony compound, providing excellent electrical and physical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If halogenated materials are used for cable insulation and sheathing, then flame retardant performance is improved, but toxic gas generation and smoke density increase during fire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by formulating a halogen-free polymer composite with specific ratios of polyolefin (25-40 wt%), hydrated magnesium oxide (35-55 wt%), and antimony compound (15-30 wt%). This parameter optimization achieves flame retardancy without halogenated materials, resolving the contradiction between flame retardant performance and toxic gas generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining polyolefin base polymer with inorganic flame retardants (hydrated magnesium oxide and antimony compound). This composite approach provides flame retardant properties through the synergistic effect of the components while eliminating halogenated materials, thus reducing toxic gas and smoke generation
2Reliability
If halogenated materials are used for cable insulation and sheathing, then flame retardant performance is improved, but environmental impact and corrosive impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material composition by eliminating halogenated compounds and using alternative flame retardant systems based on hydrated magnesium oxide and antimony compound. This parameter change reduces environmental impact and corrosive impact while maintaining flame retardant performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the limitation of non-halogenated materials (which traditionally have poor flame retardancy) into an opportunity to develop environmentally friendly flame retardant systems. By using hydrated magnesium oxide that releases water during combustion, the material achieves flame retardancy without the harmful effects of halogenated compounds, turning a potential disadvantage into an environmental benefit
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite achieves effective flame retardancy, reduced environmental impact, and minimal smoke and toxic gas generation, meeting stringent fire safety standards and performance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
about 90 to 175 parts by weight hydrated magnesium oxide flame-retardant
Implementation Method 2
maintaining the necessary flame retardant and other physical attributes
Data Source
AI summary
Polymer composites, which are commonly for use as sheathing materials in wire and cable applications, are provided. The sheathing materials exhibit flame retardant properties and include a polymeric blend, which includes olefin/unsaturated ester copolymer and olefin (co)polymer, a hydrated metal oxide flame-retardant, such as magnesium hydroxide, and an antimony compound.