A low-smoke, flame-retardant TPE compound for use in insulation and jacketing in the manufacture of power and other flexible cords for appliances and consumer electronics is now available from US custom compounder Teknor Apex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island; www.teknorapex.com). The company said the compound provides a non-PVC alternative that does not contain phthalate plasticisers or halogen additives, while exhibiting mechanical and electrical performance comparable to that of PVC.

“Halguard” E 59001 halogen-free, flame-retardant (HFFR) compound is designed for flexible cords that meet UL 62 requirements and for appliance wire that complies with UL 758. In addition to appliance wire, potential uses include power cords for computers, HDMI cables for televisions, wiring for device chargers, USB connectors as well as other electronics applications. As a TPE-based formulation, the compound is inherently elastic, eliminating need for plasticiser Teknor Apex explained.

In addition, Teknor Apex has designed a "Pliable Synres" PP-based compound for Doellken-Woodtape (Brampton, Ontario / Canada; www.doellken-woodtape.com), a leading North American supplier of edge banding to the woodworking industry, to provide an alternative to traditional materials used in T-edge profiles for curved edges found in office furniture. According to Teknor Apex, the new material is compatible with today’s green building rating system and codes.

“The innovative compound we custom-formulated for Doellken-Woodtape provides a degree of flexibility not available with ABS and other common alternatives, yet still retains sufficient stiffness to ensure the permanent capture of the profile barb in the furniture edge groove,” explained Stephan Pronovost, a business director at Teknor Apex.