DuPont and cable industry collaboration yields safer, more durable cables with Vamac® halogen-free flame resistant compounds

Close collaboration between DuPont and wire and cable makers to develop optimum formulations using Vamac® has resulted in a unique combination of properties that outperform other commonly used polymers for flame-retardant cables and hoses, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVM). Optimized Vamac® compounds combine enhanced fire and oil resistance with better low temperature flexibility (without plasticizer), and superior heat resistance up to 175°C.

These collaborative programmes have yielded innovative jacketing and insulation solutions to fulfil the most stringent industrial requirements in, for example, the automotive and railway industries:

– For the automotive industry, Vamac® G is the preferred solution for applications such as transmission wire jacketing, protective ignition wire sleeving and battery cables.
– For the railway industry, where high flame retardance, low smoke and low toxicity are critical, Vamac® DP is the solution of choice for power and communication cables. In addition, the DuPont AEM accepts the high levels of metal oxide fillers required in high-performance low fire hazard compounds for rail transportation, as well those for military, marine and oil and gas applications.

“In very challenging cable environments where any compromise on performance is unacceptable, our cable industry customers choose DuPont™ Vamac® AEM as the base elastomer for their HFFR jacketing compounds to ensure extra durability and fire-resistance,” said Anne-Laure Brison, Wire & Cable EMEA Market Segment Leader, DuPont Performance Polymers.

“Extra durability is the result of its unique combination of superior fluid resistance, flexibility at low temperature without plasticizer, and long-term heat resistance. Since Vamac® has a high acceptance of flame retardant fillers, it enables the design of low fire hazard compounds for specialty cables. In total, Vamac® offers a very flexible solution for tough cable environments,” she added.
Different examples of high performance, lower fire hazards cable sheathing and insulation using Vamac® have been shown on the DuPont stand at DKT 2012.

DuPont Performance Polymers is committed to working with customers throughout the world to develop new products, components and systems that help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect people and the environment. With more than 40 manufacturing, development and research centers throughout the world, DuPont Performance Polymers uses the industry’s broadest portfolio of plastics, elastomers, renewably sourced polymers, filaments and high-performance parts and shapes to deliver cost-effective solutions to customers in aerospace, automotive, consumer, electrical, electronic, industrial, sporting goods and other diversified industries.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

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DuPont press contact
Rémi Daneyrole
Tel.: +41 (0)22 717 54 19
Fax: +41 (0)22 580 22 45
remi.daneyrole@dupont.com