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PLEXLINKÒ: Silane Crosslinkable Polyethylene Compound

 

Grade 125-K  Low voltage power cable insulation compound

 

Characteristics

 

A chemically crosslinkable polyethylene compound curable by exposure to moisture, used in the manufacture of low voltage power cable insulation.

 

This product has been specially designed for cables operating up to 6.6 KV, allowing extrudability at normal output rates.

 

This product is less sensitive to precrosslinking or scorching.  It is also designed to give low shrinkage properties even at high production speed.

 

Description

 

PLEXLINKÒ is manufactured using the Siloxan one-component system, a Silane crosslinking system developed by KABELMETAL ELECTRO GmbH.  This process utilizes a special system that allows the additives and Silane to be homogeneously compounded with polyethylene pellets.  The compound is a thermoplastic that can be made into the finished product which can then be cured in the presence of moisture.

 

Properties

 

Item

Units

Typical Value

Test Method

Compound

 

 

 

Density

g/cm3

0.92

ASTM D792

Melt Index

g/10min

1.8

ASTM D1238

Moisture

ppm

< 200

OWN

Shelf Life

months

12

OWN

Finished Cable

 

 

 

Tensile

N/mm2

>15

IEC 540

Elongation at Break

%

>500

IEC 540

Shrinkage

%

< 2

IEC 540

*Volume Resistivity

ohm.cm

> 1016

ASTM D257

*Dielectric Constant

*(Under 25°C, 50% RH)

-

2.31

ASTM D150

Heat Aging Properties 7 days at 135°C

 

 

IEC 540

variation of Tensile strength

 

8%

 

variation of Elongation at break

 

9%

 

Hot Set Test 20 N/cm2 at 200°C

 

 

 

Elongation

 

< 80%

IEC 540

Set

 

< 5%

 

 

 

1)      Extrusion Equipment

L/D ratio 20/1 - 26/1, PVC or PE extruders are suitable.

Screw compression ratio 3.0 - 3.5.

Die head design: Flat surface die design is preferred.  For extrusion die, the recommended draw down ratio is < 1:5:1

Screen mesh: 60/60; Stainless steel screens are recommended.

Cooling water temperature to be >30°C.

 

2)      Typical Temperature Setting °C

 

Feed

Compression

Metering

Neck

Die

160-180

170-190

180-200

200-220

220-240

 

3)      Start Up

a)      Ensure extruder is thoroughly cleaned.

b)      Allow the material to exit through the mouth of the extruder and measure the temperature of the melt (180-200°C).

c)       Stop the screw and fix the die onto the extruder.

d)      Connect the conductor to the capstan.

e)      Turn on the screw speed and increase it significantly for a few seconds while allowing the material to bleed.

f)       Slowly turn up the line speed until it reaches the desired speed.

 

DO NOT LEAVE THE MELT IN THE EXTRUDER FOR MORE THAN 20 MINS!

 

4)      Gas Flame

If possible, use a gas flame to ensure a smoother surface (less melt fracture) and minimizing the accumulation of die drool.

 

5)      Curing

a)      Curing depends on temperature, thickness of insulation, cure time and presence of moisture.

b)      Curing conditions for normal insulation (1.5 mm insulation thickness)

 

ambient

steam

hot water

80% RH, 28°C

low pressure

60°C

15 days

5 hours

5 hours

 

6)      Masterbatches

It is recommended that colour masterbatches be thoroughly dried before use i.e. at 60°C for 48 hours.

 

7)      Material Handling

a)      PLEXLINKÒ in sealed bags can be used even after one year’s storage.

b)      Torn bags are to be sealed immediately.  Contents in a resealed bag have been used even after four months storage.

c)       No preheating of PLEXLINKÒ is necessary.

d)      Store in a cool, dry place.

 

 

The information contained herein is to the best of our knowledge accurate but since the circumstances and conditions in which it may be used are beyond our control, we do not accept liability for any loss or damage, however arising, which results directly or indirectly from the use of such information.  This document shall form no part of any contract with a customer