TPRTM thermoplastic rubber in wire and cable applications

A series of polyolefin based thermoplastic rubber materials called TPR* is being offered to the wire and cable industry for primary insulation and jacketing applications. These materials are unique to the industry because they provide the economic benefits normally associated with thermoplastic processing, but produce finished products with the properties of vulcanized rubber. Extrusion grade polymers for the wire and cable industry were first evaluated in the field in late 1972. Some of the more promising opportunities found for these thermoplastic rubbers in electrical insulation applications, as well as their physical properties, and economic opportunities are discussed.