TPU materials extend the life of industrial cables

18th September 2014

Siobhan O'Gorman

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For use in offshore, oil, gas and mining wire and cable applications, two UV protected grades of TPUs (Thermoplastic Polyurethanes) have been released by Huntsman. The IROGRAN TPU materials, which are polyether-based, are designed for encasing the cables of heavy-duty pieces of equipment. Such cables function in harsh, abrasive and outdoor environments, and are exposed to the elements.

The tensile strength, abrasion and elongation of cabling materials can be affected by overexposure to ultraviolet light. Deterioration in cable quality on oil rigs, offshore wind farms and in underground applications can have costly implications. To address this, Huntsman designed the IROGRAN TPU materials, which extend the life of cables within such environments.

The TPU materials, which are claimed to be easily processed and to operate within a wide temperature range, contain a UV package that is not listed as a substance of very high concern under REACH regulations. The materials are, therefore, suitable for cable manufacturers wanting to improve performance but also comply with environmental standards.

The TPU materials are available in two grades: the IROGRAN A 85 P 4394 UV DP, which has a hardness of 85 Shore A, and the IROGRAN A 92 P 4637 UV DP, which has a hardness of 92 Shore A. Both grades surpassed industry standard UV tests.

Rhona Watson, Development Center Manager Americas, Huntsman, said, “Creating new UV protected cable jacketing grades for industrial applications, using a specialised UV package, demonstrates that Huntsman is a provider of innovative wire and cable solutions, which are closely aligned to market needs.”