With increasing demand for power cables that reduce voltage loss and communication cables that improve data transfer, LyondellBasell is introducing several new low- and high-density polyethylene grades that outperform industry standards used in cable applications.
Produced using LyondellBasell’s Hostalen ACP technology, the new Petrothene KR52828E grade is a multimodal high-density polyethylene (HDPE) used in medium voltage jacketing for outdoor power cables. “Jacketing applications require resins with good melt strength along with excellent physical properties – including high tensile strength and elongation, as well as good abrasion resistance,” said Hans Videler, wire and cable business manager for LyondellBasell. “Customer trials show that Petrothene KR52828E provides superior processability versus standard HDPE materials, which is of key importance when applying jacketing to cables. In addition, HDPE resins produced with LyondellBasell’s ACP technology have demonstrated improved physical properties in numerous long-term outdoor applications, including pressure pipe and wire and cable.”
The new Lupolen GX 4087 is a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin under development for use in medium voltage cables that distribute electrical power from generating plants and substations to transformers. A key requirement is dielectric strength, which is the maximum voltage a material can withstand without failure of insulation properties. Based on IEC 60243 standard tests, the grade provides excellent insulation performance.
