Wires-and-cables are widely used in subways, electrical facilities, and tall buildings where the population density is usually high. The needs for safe and environmentally friendly electrical wires-and-cables become stringent. The currently used electrical cables use PVC materials as the electrical shielding layer, which contains the halogen element that is harmful for human health. Due to its environmental concern, European Union’s RoHS and WEEE regulations inhibit the further utilization of PVC. Accordingly, the future trend is to utilize cables complying with the regulations of RoHS, WEEE, and IEC92-359, without using halogen as the flame retardant constituent. To replace PVC, current approaches use the compounded polyolefin mixtures of PE, EVA, POE and fire retardant, such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. These hydroxides release a large quantity of water vapor during burning and, consequently, retard the further burning of the polymer. However, with an added quantity higher than 60 wt%, the mechanical properties of the composite become deteriorated. This study aims at using a minor fraction of phosphorous-containing and nitrogen-containing compounds as compounded the fire retardants, which enhance each other’s performance synergistically. The free electron pair in phosphorous can react with air during burning, forming a charcoal layer to inhibit the further burning of the polymer. As their added quantities can be very low to achieve the fire retardation effect, the performance of the composite can be maintained. Non-halogen composite formulations with high mechanical strength can thus be attained. Targets of green wire and cable: 1.Complying with RoHS and WEEE regulations. 2.The technology of synergistic effect of fire retardants. 3.Eco-cable materials with densities lower than 1.1 g/cm3. 4.The ultimate tensile strength higher than 12.8 MPa (ASTM D790), elongation larger than 453.4%, Limiting Oxygen Index ( LOI ) higher than 37, UL94 V0 standard for a diameter of 1/8”. Through this project, a core technology- non-halogen and flame retardant technology, was established. This technology can also be used in many other applications. Besides, this technology has filed Taiwan’s patents, and transfer to Jing Shing Industry Co., Ltd., the cooperation company in this project. By the way, the relative technologies, which was transferred to Hua Eng Wire ＆Cable Co., Ltd., will create the income more than ten million NT dollars, and increase the competitiveness as well. The achievement of this project is major in the environmental protection and eco-friendly issues.

Non-halogen,Flame,Retardant,Environment,Compatible,Wires-and-Cables