Elastomeric Micropowder as a compounding alternative in Fluoroelastomer Wire and Cable Applications

Because of increased demands of hydrocarbon and heat resistance, including both automotive and downhole oil industry applications, use of fluoroelastomer as an application alternative in wire and cable applications has been considered. Because of high polymer cost, materials such as nitrile and silicone are more widely used. Use of controlled post-industrial elastomeric micropowder is one alternative to altering the cost-performance relationship in this application. In this study, NBR, VMQ and FKM wire insultation formulations are tested for various desirable physical, chemical and electrical properties, using various loadings of post-industrial elastomeric micropowder to maximize performance and economic efficiency in this important application area.