Borealis introduces new tougher, flame retardant Casico™ jacketing

Borealis, the leading supplier of polyethylene to the global wire and cable industry, has extended its Casico product range with FR4805. This new stronger, flame retardant jacketing compound is designed to make cable installations more resistant to penetration and cut-through.

Small diameter cables risk penetration or cut-through because of their thin jacket and insulation. Very large cables are vulnerable due to the mass of the cable itself and its high weight/surface area. To help solve this problem, Borealis has developed Casico FR4805 combining high physical strength with halogen-free flame retardancy. The enhanced physical properties will also enable down gauging.

Casico FR4805 is intended to be used as a 90°C rated jacketing compound for fixed building wires (installation cables) and a wide range of power cable. It can be used in areas sensitive to smoke and/or corrosive and toxic combustion products. For most cable constructions, it provides sufficient flame retardancy to satisfy single wire vertical burning tests. In addition it contains a stabilisation system to provide the necessary protection in UV-exposed applications.

The new compound can also be used as a strong, flame retardant, low smoke jacket for

6 – 500kV power cables. Its high operating temperatures, abrasion resistance and hardness make it an attractive durable solution for cables installed in tunnels and ducts. Coloured jackets can be manufactured by the addition of colour master batches. Large MV/HV energy cables sheathed with Casico FR4805 will normally meet bunched vertical fire tests.

Casico FR4805 is one of the new enhanced wire and cable solutions, which will be presented for the first time at the Borealis stand at Wire 2004, D70, Hall 10.

Casico is a trademark of Borealis A/S, Denmark.