Power cables account for three-quarters of the global wires and cables market. The fast-growing industry demands quality solutions and high-performance antioxidants to provide superior endurance and weathering resistance. Renewable energy and infrastructure improvements require long-term solutions to avoid blackouts caused by degrading cables.
ETHANOX™ 330 is a high–molecular weight, hindered phenolic antioxidant stabilizer specifically engineered for exceptional protection and long-term stability in optic cable insulation and jacketing. ETHANOX™ 330 has superior resistance to hydrolysis for use in tough applications and harsh temperature conditions, such as power cables and wires.
ETHANOX™ 330 is the Best Antioxidant for Wires and Cables
Electrically neutral, ETHANOX™ 330 is exceptionally effective in polyethylene wire insulation and jacketing, typically requiring long-term protection while exposed to copper. This primary antioxidant provides superior processing stability and electrical-neutral benefits with extremely low extractability. See below for heat stability test results for ETHANOX™ 330 in HDPE and LDPE plastics for cable applications.
Thermal stability of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) in presence of Copper, oven-aged at 105°C
The test results in the following table show that ETHANOX™ 330 antioxidant stabilizer is particularly effective in LDPE thermoplastics for wires and cable applications.
Antioxidant
%wt.
Hours to Failure
ETHANOX™ 330
0.025
1368
Product A
0.025
1320
ETHANOX™ 330
0.1
4728
Product A
0.1
4176
Samples of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing TiO2, oxalic acid bis (benzylidene hydrazide) and a copper deactivator were placed on copper foil and then oven-aged.
The formulation above contained 1% wt. TiO2 pigment and equal amounts of antioxidants and the copper deactivator.
Thermal Stability of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in presence of Copper powder at 200°C
The test results in the following table show that ETHANOX™ 330 antioxidant stabilizer provides excellent stability when used in HDPE thermoplastic wires and cables.
Antioxidant
Hours to Fail at 200°C
None
3
ETHANOX™ 330
41
Product A
35
Samples of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containing the copper deactivator were placed on copper foil for an accelerated test by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC).
The formulation above contained 0.1% wt. of a copper deactivator, 0.5% wt. antioxidant, and 1% wt. TiO2 pigment.
Wire and Cable Industry
Water Treeing: ETHANOX™ 330 is the ideal antioxidant for medium voltage XLPE and cross-linked EPDM to inhibit the effect of water treeing typically caused by moisture exposure and electrical stress.
Thermal Stability for Applicances: ETHANOX™ 330 is an excellent antioxidant for 125°C/150°C rating wires and cables commonly used in appliances. Due to its high-temperature stability, ETHANOX™ 330 is designed to pass the required test of 150°C/3000 hours for appliance applications.
ETHANOX™ 330 Applications
ETHANOX™ 330 is typically recommended at 1 - 2 wt% for W&C formulations.
Powder Cables
Medium Voltage XLPE/EPDM
Moisture and stress resistance to overcome water-treeing
Appliances
125°C/150°C Rating Wires
Meets the 150°C/3000 hr test for appliance wires
Automotive
Low-voltage cables and wires
Withstands 125°C and higher service temperature
About Wire and Cable processing and applications:
Wire and cable insulation and jacketing products are manufactured by extruding polyethylene compounds through a crosshead. The molten compound is then transferred onto the bare conductor for insulation or onto the insulated wires for jacketing.
Cable types by voltage
Low Voltage (2 kV and lower)
Resins: PVC, PE, PP, and EPDM
Medium Voltage (2 –35 kV)
Resins: XLPE and EPDM
High Voltage (35 – 300kV)
Resins: XLPE, FEP, and PTFE
Summary
XLPE and cross-linked EPDM power cable products require antioxidants to protect against degradation due to high-temperature exposure. ETHANOX™ 330 high–molecular weight, hindered phenolic antioxidants offer low volatility, outstanding hydrolysis resistance, and long-term performance for cable extruders. Talk to an expert today if you would like to learn more or request a sample.
