New specialty linear polymers (SLP) for power cables

The applicability of tailoring polymer structure to meet power cable application requirements is demonstrated. Minimization of the high and low molecular weight tails of the molecular weight distribution (MWD) and uniform distribution of comonomer in polyolefins is highly desirable for achieving optimum properties for power cable applications. Polymer properties affected by molecular weight (MW), MWD, and composition distribution (CD) are examined. The polymer structure properties are then related to power cable application performance criteria. Particular emphasis is placed on the properties of narrow MWD narrow CD resins and the combination of these narrowly distributed resins. These polymer properties are then related to performance in wire and cable coating applications, i.e. crosslinkability, filler acceptance, tree retardancy, etc. The electrical and mechanical properties with regard to wire and cable applications are also discussed