Sponsored By

A major step forward for cell tower communication boots

Stephen Moore

May 25, 2018

2 Min Read
New TPE compound performs in demanding outdoor industrial applications

Kraiburg TPE has unveiled an advanced new compound in its Thermolast K UV/LD/b series tailored to the needs of demanding outdoor applications for building and construction, electrical engineering and electronics as well as automotive. In addition to high UV resistance, the new grade combines excellent mechanical and thermal properties with outstanding adhesion to polyolefins and exceptional surface finish.

As a first application, the Thermolast K UV/LD/b series grade has been specified for overmolding the interface of co-axial cables and metal connectors, used in outdoor installations at cell towers, with a rugged, UV and moisture resistant boot.

The new thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compound was specially engineered to provide significant benefits to OEMs and suppliers within mobile communications infrastructure. As a first application, it has been specified for overmolding the interface of co-axial cables and metal connectors, used in outdoor installations at cell towers, with a rugged, UV and moisture resistant boot.

“There is a growing demand for high-performance thermoplastics elastomers in industrial outdoor applications,” says Kevin Gase, Director Sales & Marketing Americas for Kraiburg TPE. “As a global leader in this segment, we have leveraged our extensive market expertise to expand our UV resistant portfolio and develop a product that offers a superior property profile in all aspects from efficient processability to long-term durability.”

In addition to excellent thermal and UV resistance, the new TPE compound provides a hardness of 35 Shore D, which is equivalent to 90 Shore A and firmly positions it at the top of Kraiburg TPE’s existing range of Thermolast K UV/LD/b product family. At the same time, the material delivers the flexibility for the cable boots to ensure proper strain relief.

Further key properties to be met included optimum adhesion to polyolefin resins, such as polypropylene and low-density polyethylene, as well as compatibility with silicones.

In order to prove the exceptional, long-lasting surface finish provided by the compound, its ageing behavior was tested according to VW PV 3930, a demanding automotive standard commonly applied during master sample approvals. The test simulates the effects of long-term weathering and solar irradiation in hot and humid climate regions, such as Florida. The results showed no significant discoloration or loss of gloss.

The new UV resistant Thermolast K compound is commercially available world-wide. It can easily be custom-colored and processed using standard molding equipment. Moreover, in contrast to most competitive materials in the field, the innovative TPE formulation comprises a non-halogenated flame retardant technology that also helps processors minimize equipment plate-out.

About the Author(s)

Stephen Moore

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and is a proud dachshund owner.

Sign up for the PlasticsToday NewsFeed newsletter.

You May Also Like