Improved Wire & Cable Performance Using Specialty Polymer Modifiers

Elevast™ Polymer Modifiers, available from ExxonMobil Chemical are specialty hydrocarbon fluids designed for tailoring polyolefin performance. These fluids have uniquely defined structures, narrow molecular weight distributions, high purity and exceptionally low glass transition temperatures that provide outstanding modification capabilities over a broad range of polyolefins and in a variety of applications, including Wire & Cable.  They are highly efficient modifiers that can be readily incorporated during simple extrusion or compounding processes.  
Property benefits have been demonstrated in thermoplastic and cross-linked polyolefin formulations, as well as in filled systems.  Improvements in processability, flexibility, elasticity, durability and permanence can be achieved.  Small amounts, usually less than 5%, are normally sufficient to see a significant reduction in polymer or compound viscosity as a result of their high plasticization efficiency.  This leads to better flowability, higher output, lower head pressure, lower extruder torque and better surface appearance.  The high purity of these aromatic- and chlorine-free fluids cause little or no interference in any of the common grafting and cross-linking processes used for Wire &Cable applications.  Their very low glass transition helps extend the cold temperature performance range and their exceptional compatibility and low volatility help to extend their high temperature performance range.
Here-in we discuss the benefits of Elevast™ Polymer Modifiers in various polyolefin formulations with a focus on Wire & Cable applications.