In response to customer requests, Huntsman (Salt Lake City, Utah / USA; www.huntsman.com) has developed two grades of UV-protected TPUs for use in offshore as well as oil, gas and mining wire and cable applications. The polyether-based TPU materials are part of Huntsman’s “Irogran” range and are designed for jacketing the cables of heavy duty equipment which has to function in harsh outdoor environments.

Huntsman said customers in the Americas were asking for increasingly demanding performance levels. Over time, exposure to UV light can cause cabling materials to degrade with possible costly consequences. The company stated that the UV additive has been designed to increase cable longevity and is beneficial for manufacturers who are seeking to improve performance and comply with stringent environmental standards. The new Irogran materials contain a UV package that is not listed as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under REACH regulations.

Both new TPU grades are in the final launch stage and will be available globally.