A novel dynamically crosslinked halogen-free thermoplastic elastomer applicable for flexible cables

Abstract

A novel dynamically crosslinked halogen-free thermoplastic elastomer with high flexibility and mechanical strength was developed, which can be applied as a substitute for soft polyvinyl chloride. Tradeoff relationship between flexibility and strength was successfully overcome by precise control of the morphology of a thermoplastic elastomer. The material was developed by dynamic vulcanization of rubber / crystalline polyolefin / flame retardant ternary system. TEM observation revealed that the crosslinked rubber particles were dispersed in crystalline polyolefin matrix and flame retardant was preferentially occluded in the rubber particles. A cable was produced using the developed material as a sheath. It showed high flexibility nearly close to cable sheathed with soft polyvinyl chloride. Mechanical strength and flame retardance were also high enough to pass the required level.