Wire and cable

Imerys talcs and micas act in synergy with flame retardant fillers and additives, creating a physical barrier to fire, reducing combustion rate, improving char strength and decreasing smoke quantity and rate of emission.

Talc's hydrophobic and electrically neutral platelets make it an ideal insulator for EVA wire and cables. It also works in synergy with metal hydrates for outstanding fire resistance.

Imerys talc:

• Limits burnable gas emissions and oxygen diffusion by foaming effect, resulting in delayed combustion
• Creates a physical barrier effect limiting heat and mass transfer
• Is an excellent char promoter
• Improves ash cohesion
• Generates less smoke
• Is a natural, environmentally friendly solution

Imerys talcs can be also be used as a partial replacement of magnesium hydroxide (MDH) and aluminum tri-hydrates (ATH) reducing compound costs without affecting fire retardant properties.

For more stringent requirements, Imerys High Aspect Ratio Mistron HAR^® talc provides an outstanding intumescent effect which retards fire ignition and protects the EVA from combustion.

We particularly recommend our Mistron^® Vapor and new high aspect ratio talc, Mistron HAR^® for this application.

In cable sheathing applications, Imerys talcs also improve a host of other parameter such as:

• Abrasion resistance in heavy-duty cables
• Fluid resistance for cables in contact with water
• Compound extrudability
• Surface finishing

Talc is also an ideal carbon black extender and internal lubricant reducing the viscosity of compounds.

Imerys micas are excellent flame retardant extenders, especially in phosphate derivative retardant systems such as ammonium phosphate (APP), a halogen-free flame retardant (FR) system for polyolefins.

We recommend our Suzorite^® range for this application.

Using Imerys minerals in rubber compounds for cable sheath and conductor insulation is the most cost-effective way of meeting 2012 Euroclass legislation under the EU's Construction Products Directive.