More Classification of Cable Insulation Materials

Cable insulation is a non-conductive material, or a material that resists the flow of current. It is often referred to as the dielectric in radio frequency cables. The insulation layer can prevent leakage, prevent the current of the wire from contacting other conductors, and protect the material integrity of the wire by preventing environmental threats such as water and heat. The safety and effectiveness of wires depend on their insulation.

The following is a brief description of fluoropolymer insulation and provides information on the typical uses, advantages and disadvantages of each option.
 

Fluoropolymer
Polyvinylidene fluoride
The rated temperature range of PFA is 250°C to 65°C. It also has a very low dissipation factor, making it an electrically efficient choice. It is not thermoset, so it can only be used in specific applications. Although PFA can be processed for a long time, it is also an expensive material.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
PTFE is a thermoplastic material that can be used in a wide temperature range from -73°C to 204°C. It has extremely high flexibility, as well as water, oil, chemical resistance and heat resistance. Compared with other plastics, PTFE has low mechanical properties.
 

Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
This material is widely used due to its processing characteristics and wide range of applications. It is also highly flame retardant. When FEP foams, improved data transmission can also be achieved. Pricing and handling are also improving. FEP is commonly used for inflatable cables and military applications.


ETFE Tefzel and ECTFE Halar
These materials are stronger and more flexible than PFA or FEP, and can be thermoset by radiation. Foaming ECTFE and ETFE can improve data transmission and reduce weight. ETFE and ECTFE lack many of the electrical advantages of FEP.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
PVDF is flexible, light, thermally stable, and has chemical, heat-resistant, weather-resistant, abrasion-resistant and fire-resistant properties. This is also a relatively low-cost insulation option. This insulating material is widely used in industry and applications. This type of cable is usually found in cables that meet the UL standard 910 fire-resistant cable flame-retardant test. It is believed that the cable is suitable for air circulation spaces in buildings, usually behind suspended ceilings or raised floors. PVDF is also commonly referred to as Kynar, which is a registered trademark of Arkema.

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
Thermoplastic elastomers are composed of a mixture of polymers (usually plastic and rubber) to combine the advantages of each material into an insulating product. TPE can be molded, extruded and reused like plastic, while maintaining the flexibility and stretchability of rubber. TPE is generally used in applications where conventional elastomers cannot provide the necessary range of physical properties. They are increasingly found in automotive applications and household appliances. The disadvantages of TPE include poor chemical and heat resistance, lower thermal stability, and higher cost than other types of insulating materials.

 

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