Electronics OEMs looking for PVC alternatives to make flexible cords safer and more environmentally sustainable now have options thanks to the introduction of DOW SUSTAIN™ halogen-free compounds from The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW).
Developed by Dow Wire & Cable, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, DOW SUSTAIN offers the first PVC and halogen-free compounds that meet key global industry standards for continuous operating temperature, low smoke and heat deformation. Four different product grades for jacketing and insulation are now available in sample quantities for producers of wires, cables and cord sets for personal electronics, large and small appliances, TVs, DVD/DVR devices, gaming systems, computers/monitors/USB attachments, etc.
“With the demand for PVC alternatives in an electronics market growing fast, Dow has made a significant investment over the last three years in perfecting halogen-free compounds,” says Simon Leung, Platform Leader for Personal Electronics, Dow Wire & Cable. “DOW SUSTAIN is the first halogen-free offering qualified to meet UL 62, JCS4509 and HD21.14 requirements on a commercial scale while delivering excellent look and feel as well as enhanced product and extrusion performance.”
The ability to achieve key regional standards is what differentiates DOW SUSTAIN™. In addition, DOW SUSTAIN exhibits good chemical resistivity, low corrosive off gassing in the event of a fire, and flexibility that is essential for ease of handling during manufacturing and the overall look and feel of the end product.
Dow Wire & Cable worked with Shenzhen BaoHing Electric Wire & Cable Manufacture Co., Ltd. and Volex, a recognized global leader in the manufacture of power cords, to trial DOW SUSTAIN in actual manufacturing conditions. The companies were able to meet key global standards using the new Dow Wire & Cable compounds.
“Dow Wire & Cable has been a good working relationship with the product development and technical know-how to help us efficiently run their product,” says Chris Rutherford, VP of Global Supply Chain, Volex Group plc. “The new compound can achieve production rates similar to PVC with only minor investments for extruder screw design and drying conditions.”
The launch of Dow SUSTAIN is the next in a series of planned product innovations that Dow is introducing to the wire and cable industry. With the introduction of this product, Dow is bringing forward a new technology that can be extended beyond the personal electronics segment and planning a transition of the UNIGARD™ RE brand into the Dow SUSTAIN family.
Dow Wire & Cable is offering samples of Dow SUSTAIN™ as part of its Dow Inside program of working with select wire and cable manufacturers to combine Dow’s material and technology expertise with excellent manufacturing processes with an agreement that all wires and cables produced through such collaboration will meet key global standards. Please call your Dow Wire & Cable sales representative to request a sample that will help achieve your desired outcomes in PVC replacement.
Source: http://www.dowwireandcable.com/