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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is durable, cheap, and easily worked. It can be made softer and more
flexible by the addition of  plasticizers. There are many formulations for the variety of different
applications. The many varieties of PVC also differ in pliability and electrical properties.

PE
Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer consisting of long chains produced by combining the
ingredient monomer ethylene. It has good electrical properties. In terms of flexibility, polyethylene
can be rated stiff to very hard, depending on molecular weight and density—low density being
the most flexible, with high-density, high-molecular weight formulation being very hard. Moisture
resistance is rated excellent. Black and specially formulated colored versions have excellent
weather resistance.

LDPE
Low Density Polyethylene has a high degree of short and long chain branching, which means that
the chains do not pack into the crystal structure as well. It has, therefore, less strong intermolecular
forces as the instantaneous-dipole induced-dipole attraction is less. This results in a lower tensile
strength and increased ductility. LDPE is created by free radical polymerization. The high degree of
branching with long chains gives molten LDPE unique and desirable flow properties.

HDPE 
High Density Polyethylene has a low degree of branching and thus stronger intermolecular forces
and tensile strength. The lack of branching is ensured by an appropriate choice of catalyst (for
example,  chromium  catalysts or Ziegler-Natta catalysts) and reaction conditions. It is generally
used as a sheathing material where it provides high resistance to water penetration, is very hard,
has low coefficient of friction, and is abrasion resistant.

XLPE
By introducing chemical bonding between the chains in PE we get cross-linked polyethylene
(XLPE), a thermoset type of PE. It improves the properties of the cables and makes it suitable for
power transmission. XLPE has very good mechanical strength, low density. It can be used at high
temperature above 110°C where the normal Polyethylene compounds are thermally unstable.

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Polyamide (Nylon)
Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers known generically as polyamides.
It has good durability, high elongation, excellent abrasion resistance and high resilient. It also
resists insects, fungi, molds, midew, rot and many chemicals.

Polypropylene
Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is normally tough and flexible, especially when
copolymerized with ethylene. It is similar as polyethylene in electrical properties. This material is
primarily used as an insulation material. Typically, it is harder than polyethylene. This makes it
suitable for thin wall insulations.

Polyurethane
Polyurethane (PUR and PU) combines the best properties of both rubber and plastic. This material
is used primarily as a cable jacket material. It has excellent oxidation, oil, and ozone resistance.
Some formations also have good flame resistance. It is a hard material with excellent abrasion
resistance.

TPE 
Thermoplastic Elastomer. TPE is cross linkable elastomers with styrenic rubbers which gives
homogenous compound excellent hybrid properties with rubbery effect. TPE gives advantage to
cost effective and achieves high performance applications and specification to thermoset rubbers.
TPE is normally tough, cut resistant, flexible, smooth, with vibrant coloring.

LSZH
Low smoke zero halogen or low smoke free of halogen is composed of thermoplastic or thermoset
compounds that emit limited smoke and no halogen when exposed to high sources of heat, e.g.
flame. In a fire, a halogen-containing plastic material releases, e.g. hydrogen chloride, a poisonous
gas that forms hydrochloric acid when it comes in contact with water. Designated Halogen-free
cables, on the other hand, do not produce a dangerous gas/acid combination or toxic smoke when
exposed to flame. Low smoke zero halogen cable reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gas
emitted during combustion. This type of material is typically used in poorly ventilated areas such
as aircraft or rail cars. Low smoke zero halogen is becoming very popular and, in some cases, a
requirement where the protection of people and equipment from toxic and corrosive gas is critical.
It is often lighter, so overall cable network system weights can be reduced. The environmental
impact of halogen free cabling can be lower if there are fewer toxic chemicals.
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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

HFFR ( Low smoke , Flame retardant , Halogen-free and Thermoplastic compounds)

When PVC is not acceptable due to the problems chlorine (halogen) containing materials present
in the event of a fire HFFR must be used. (In accordance with IEC 60092-359 type SHF1). The
materials will not propagate a fire along a cable run, drip or give off black smoke. No acid gases
will be released during a fire that can corrode and damage expensive equipment.

CPE
Chlorinated Polyethylene. An oil, ozone and heat resistant sheathing compound.

Rubber
Rubber normally includes natural rubber and SBR compounds.
Natural rubber is an  elastomer  (an  elastic  hydrocarbon  polymer) that was originally derived
from latex, a milky colloid produced by some plants. It is normally very stretchy and flexible and
extremely waterproof. Rubber exhibits unique physical and chemical properties. Rubber’s stress-
strain behavior exhibits the Mullins effect, the Payne effect, and is often modeled as hyperelastic.
Owing to the presence of a double bond in each repeat unit, natural rubber is sensitive to ozone
cracking.
Styrene-butadiene rubber  (SBR) is asynthetic rubber  copolymer  consisting
of styrene and butadiene. It has good abrasion resistance and good aging stability when protected
by additives. it offers good durability, less shrinkage and flexibility, as well as being resistant to
emulsification in damp conditions.

Synthetic rubber
Synthetic rubber is any type of artificial elastomer, invariably a polymer. An elastomer is a material
with the mechanical (or material) property that it can undergo much more elastic deformation under
stress than most materials and still return to its previous size without permanent deformation.
Synthetic rubber serves as a substitute for natural rubber in many cases, especially when improved
material properties are required.

Silicon Rubber
Silicone rubber  is an  elastomer  (rubber-like material) composed of  silicone—itself a  polymer—
containingsilicon  together with  carbon,  hydrogen, and  oxygen. Silicone rubber offers good
resistance to extreme temperatures, being able to operate normally from −55 °C to +300 °C. At
the extreme temperatures, the tensile strength, elongation, tear strength and compression set
can be far superior to conventional rubbers although still low relative to other materials. Organic
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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

rubber has a carbon to carbon backbone which can leave them susceptible to ozone, UV, heat and
other ageing factors that silicone rubber can withstand well. This makes it one of the elastomers of
choice in many extreme environments. Compared to organic rubbers, however, silicone rubber has
a very low tensile strength.[1] For this reason, care is needed in designing products to withstand
even low imposed loads. The material is also very sensitive to fatigue from cyclic loading. Silicone
rubber is a highly inert material and does not react with most chemicals.

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile butadiene rubber  (NBR) is a family of unsaturated copolymers of 2-propenenitrile and
various butadiene monomers (1,2-butadiene and 1,3-butadiene). Although its physical and
chemical properties vary depending on the polymer’s composition of nitrile, this form of synthetic
rubber is generally resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals (the more nitrile within the polymer, the
higher the resistance to oils but the lower the flexibility of the material).

NBR/PVC
NBR/PVC is admixture of NBR and PVC. It unite both advantages of those two materials. It has
better ability to resist oil, chemicals, ozone and weather.

Polybutadiene
Polybutadiene is a highly resilient synthetic rubber. Heat buildup is lower in polybutadiene rubber
based products subjected to repeat flexing during service. It is sensitive to oxidation and ozone
owing to the reactivity of the double bond present in every repeat unit. Anti-oxidants are normally
added to protect against cracking and deterioration.

EPR 
Ethylene Propylene Rubber. A water and ozone resistant, flexile, cross linked high grade insulation
material. However, relatively poor cold traction and cut growth resistance limits the use to blends
with other types of rubber.

EVA (Flame retardant halogen-free termoset compound)

EVA, ethylene vinyl acetate, is a multi-functional elastomer, which resists the combined
deteriorating influences of heat, oil and weather. (In accordance with IEC 60092-359 type SHF2).
For offshore applications, EVA can be compounded to produce high quality cable sheathing with
low smoke and flame propagation, and with no emission of halogenous acids.
It is a  polymer  that approaches  elastomeric  materials in softness and flexibility, yet can
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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

be processed like other thermoplastics. The material has good clarity and gloss, barrier
properties, low-temperature  toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt  adhesive  water
proof properties, and resistance to  UV radiation. EVA has little or no odor and is competitive
with rubber and vinyl products in many electrical applications.

Neoprene (Polychloroprene)
Neoprene in general has good chemical stability, and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature
range. It is both oil-resistant and sunlight-resistant, making it ideal for many outdoor applications.
The most stable colors are Black, Dark Brown, and Gray. The electrical properties are not as good
as other insulation materials.

CSPE (CSM) 
Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene. Oil, ozone and heat resistant sheathing material. 

EPDM
EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer), is a hydrocarbon rubber that combines electrical
performance suitable for fire resistant offshore cables with mechanical toughness and resistance to
ozone, UV light and heat. It's wet electrical properties are unique. It is very flexile at high and low
temperatures ( -55°C to 150°C). It has good insulation resistance and dielectric strength, as well as
excellent abrasion resistance. EPDM also has better cut-through resistance than Silicone rubber,
which it replaces in some applications.
EPDM exhibits satisfactory compatibility with fireproof hydraulic fluids, ketones, hot and cold water,
and alkalis, and unsatisfactory compatibility with most oils, gasoline, kerosene, aromatic and
aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, and concentrated acids.

PVDF
Polyvinylidene fluoride, or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is a highly non-reactive and pure
thermoplastic fluoropolymer. PVDF is a specialty plastic material in the fluoropolymer family; it is
used generally in applications requiring the highest purity, strength, and resistance to solvents,
acids, bases and heat and low smoke generation during a fire event. Compared to other
fluoropolymers, it has an easier melt process because of its relatively low melting point of around
177 °C. It has a low density (1.78) and low cost compared to the other fluoropolymers.

Polytetrafluoroethylene
It is a synthetic  fluoropolymer  oftetrafluoroethylene. The most well known brand name of PTFE
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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

is Teflon. PTFE is a fluorocarbon solid, as it is a high-molecular-weight compound consisting wholly

of carbon and fluorine. It is hydrophobic. PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction against
any solid.
PTFE has excellent dielectric properties. Combined with its high melting temperature, this makes
it the material of choice as a high-performance substitute for the weaker and lower melting
point polyethylene that is commonly used in low-cost applications. This material has excellent
temperature range and chemical resistance. It is not suitable where subjected to nuclear radiation
and does not have good high voltage characteristics.

PFA
Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) is very similar in composition to the  fluoropolymers  PTFE and  FEP
(fluorinated ethylene-propylene). PFA and FEP both share PTFE’s useful properties of
low  coefficient of frictionand non-reactivity, but are more easily formable. PFA is similar to FEP
in terms of its mechanical properties. These two are both superior to PTFE with regards to their
flexibility. However, their ability to endure repetitive folding (flex life) is actually lower than PTFE.
PFA has a higher flex life than FEP. PFA is preferable to FEP where heat is concerned, but PTFE
itself is slightly more resistant to heat than both. PFA is more affected by water absorption and
weathering than FEP, but is superior in terms of salt spray resistance.

FEP
In terms of corrosion resistance,  Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) is the only other readily
available fluoropolymer that can match PTFE's own resistance to caustic agents, as it is a pure
carbon-fluorine structure and fully. Thermally, FEP stands out from PTFE and PFA by having a
melting point of 260 °C (500 °F), around forty degrees lower than PFA and lower again than PTFE.
Electrically, PTFE, FEP and PFA have identical dielectric constants, but FEP's dielectric strength
is only surpassed by PFA. However, whilst PFA has a similar dissipation factor to PTFE, FEP's
dissipation is around six times that of PFA and EFTE (making it a more non-linear conductor of
electrostatic fields).

TFE
TFE Teflon is extrudable in a hydraulic ram type process. Lengths are limited due to amount of
material in the ram, thickness of the insulation, and preform size. TFE must be extruded over a
silver- or nickelcoated wire. The nickel- and silver-coated designs are rated 260°C and 200°C
maximum, respectively. The cost of Teflon is approximately 8 to 10 times more per pound than PVC
compounds.
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Characteristics of Thermoplastic Insulating and Sheath Materials

Designation Electrical

Specific
Density Break down Dielectric- Dielectric
VDE volume
Abbre- voltage constant loss
initial- Materials resistivity
viations factor
code
g/cm3 KV/mm (20°C) Ohm·cm 20°C 50 Hz/20°C tan δ

Polyvinylchloride
Y PVC 1,35 – 1,5 25 1013– 1015 3,6 – 6
compounds

Heat-resistant
Yw PVC 1,3 – 1,5 25 1012– 1015 4 – 6,5
90°C 4 x 10–2
to
Heat-resistant 1 x 10–1
Yw PVC 1,3 – 1,5 25 1012– 1015 4,5 – 6,5
105°C

Yk PVC Cold resistant 1,2 – 1,4 25 1012– 1015 4,5 – 6,5

Low density
2Y LDPE 0,92 – 0,94 70 1017 2,3 2 x 10–4
Polyethylene

High density
2Y HDPE 0,94 – 0,98 85 1017 2,3 3 x 10–4
Polyethylene

Cross-linked
2X VPE 0,92 50 1012– 1016 4–6 2 x 10–3
Polyethylene

O2Y Foamed Polyethylene 0,65 30 1017 1,55 5 x 10–4

3Y PS Polystrole 1,05 30 1016 2,5 1 x 10–4

2 x 10–2 to
4Y PA Polyamide 1,02 – 1,1 30 1015 4
1 x 10–3

9Y PP Polypropylene 0,91 75 1016 2,3 – 2,4 4 x 10–4

11Y PUR Polyurethane 1,15 – 1,2 20 1010– 1012 4–7 2,3 x 10–2

Chlorinated
CPE 1,16 20 1012-1013 5,5 2,8 x 10–2
Polyethylene

Polyester
12Y TPE-E 1,2 – 1,4 40 ＞1010 3,7 – 5,1
Elastomer
1.8 x 10–2
Polyolefine
91Y TPE-O 0,89 – 1,0 30 ＞1010 2,7– 3,6
Elastomer

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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Designation Thermic

Oxygen Heating Thermal- Radiation

VDE Working temp. Melt-temp.
Abbre- index LOI value H0 conductivity Corrosive resistance
initial- Materials gases in
viations Perma- Short
code +°C (% O2) MJ·kg-1 -1
W·K ·m -1 case of fire Mrad
nent (°C) time(°C)

Polyvinylchloride -30
Y PVC +100 ＞140 17-25
compounds +70
23-42
Heat-resistant -20
Yw PVC +120 ＞140 16-22
90°C +90
Hydrogen
0,17 80
chloride
Heat-resistant -20
Yw PVC +120 ＞140 16-20
105°C +105
24-42
-40
Yk PVC Cold resistant +100 ＞140 17-24
+70

Low density -50

2Y LDPE +100 105-110 0,3
Polyethylene +70

High density -50

2Y HDPE +120 130 ≤22 0,4
Polyethylene +100
42-44 No 100
Cross-linked -35
2X VPE +100 — 0,3
Polyethylene +90

Foamed -40
O2Y +100 105 18-30 0,25
Polyethylene +70

-50
3Y PS Polystrole +100 ＞120 ≤22 40-43 0,25 No 80
+80

-60
4Y PA Polyamide +125 210 27-31 0,23
+105
≤22 10
-10
9Y PP Polypropylene +140 160 42-44 0,19 No
+100

-55
11Y PUR Polyurethane +100 150 20-26 20-26 0,25 100(500)
+80

Chlorinated -55 Hydrogen

CPE +110 150-170 22-27 27,6 0,144 50
Polyethylene +60 chloride

Polyester
12Y TPE-E +140 190 ≤29 20-25 0,5 10
Elastomer
-50
No
+100
Polyolefine
91Y TPE-O +130 150 ≤25 23-28 1,5 10
Elastomer

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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Designation Mechanical Halogen

Elongation at Water
VDE Tensile strength
Abbre- break absorbtion
initial- Materials Shore hardness Halogen-free
viations
code
N/mm2 % %

Polyvinylchloride
Y PVC
compounds

Heat-resistant
Yw PVC
90°C
10-25 130-350 70-95(A) 0,4 No
Heat-resistant
Yw PVC
105°C

Yk PVC Cold resistant

Low density
2Y LDPE 10-20 400-600 43-50(D)
Polyethylene

High density
2Y HDPE 20-30 500-1000 60-63(D) 0,1 Yes
Polyethylene

Cross-linked
2X VPE 12,5-20 300-400 40-45(D)
Polyethylene

Foamed
O2Y 8-12 350-450 — — Conditional*
Polyethylene

3Y PS Polystrole 55-65 300-400 35-50(D) 0,4

4Y PA Polyamide 50-60 50-170 — 1,0-1,5 Yes

9Y PP Polypropylene 20-35 300 55-60(D) 0,1

11Y PUR Polyurethane 30-45 500-700 70-100(A) 1,5 Yes**

Chlorinated
CPE 12,5 700 70(A) 0.01 No
Polyethylene

Polyester 85(A)
12Y TPE-E 30
Elastomer 70(D)
＞300 1,5 Yes
Polyolefine 55(A)
91Y TPE-O 20
Elastomer 70(D)

*The propellent may be e.g. Fluor-Chlor-Hydrocarbon

**depend on the type compound

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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Designation Properties

VDE Low- Weather,

Abbre- Oxidation Heat Oil Ozone Abrasion Flame
initial- Materials temperature sun
viations resistance resistance resistance resistance resistance resistance
code flexibility resistance

Polyvinylchloride
Y PVC
compounds

Heat-resistant
Yw PVC
90°C
E G-E F P-G G-E E F-G E
Heat-resistant
Yw PVC
105°C

Yk PVC Cold resistant

Low density
2Y LDPE E G G-E E E E G P
Polyethylene

High density
2Y HDPE E E G-E E E E E P
Polyethylene

Cross-linked
2X VPE E G G O G E F-G F-G
Polyethylene

Foamed
O2Y E G G E E E F P
Polyethylene

3Y PS Polystrole E E G E F-G F G P

4Y PA Polyamide E E E G E E E P

9Y PP Polypropylene E E F P E E F-G P

11Y PUR Polyurethane E G E G G E O P

Chlorinated
CPE E E E E E E E-O E
Polyethylene

Polyester
12Y TPE-E E E E E E E E F
Elastomer

Polyolefine
91Y TPE-O E E F E E E F F-G
Elastomer

P = Poor; F= Fair; G = Good; E = Excellent; O = Outstanding

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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Designation Properties

Aliphatic Aromatic Halogenated

VDE hydrocarbons hydrocarbons hydrocarbons
Abbre- Water Acid Alkali Alcohol
initial- Materials resistance resistance resistance
viations resistance resistance resistance resistance
code (Gasoline, (Benzol, toluol, (Degreaser
kerosene, etc) etc.) solvents)

Polyvinylchloride
Y PVC
compounds

Heat-resistant
Yw PVC
90°C
F-G G-E G-E P P-F P-F P-F
Heat-resistant
Yw PVC
105°C

Yk PVC Cold resistant

Low density
2Y LDPE E G-E G-E G-E P G E
Polyethylene

High density
2Y HDPE E E E G-E P G E
Polyethylene

Cross-linked
2X VPE G-E G-E G-E F F F E
Polyethylene

Foamed
O2Y E G-E G-E G P G E
Polyethylene

3Y PS Polystrole G G-E E P P P E

4Y PA Polyamide P-F P-F E G G G P

9Y PP Polypropylene E E E P-F P-F P E

11Y PUR Polyurethane P-G F F P-G P-G P-G P-G

Chlorinated
CPE E E E G-E E E E-O
Polyethylene

Polyester
12Y TPE-E E F F G-E E E E-O
Elastomer

Polyolefine
91Y TPE-O E G G G-E E E E-O
Elastomer

P = Poor; F= Fair; G = Good; E = Excellent; O = Outstanding

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Characteristics of Elastomer Insulating and Sheath Materials

Designation Electrical

Specific
Density Break down Dielectric- Dielectric
VDE volume
Abbre- voltage constant loss
initial- Materials resistivity
viations factor
code KV/mm
g/cm3 Ohm·cm 20°C 50 Hz/20°C tan δ
(20°C)

NR Natural rubber
G 1,5-1,7 20 1012–1015 3-5 1,9 x 10–2
SBR Styrene-butadiene rubber

2G SiR Silicon rubber 1,2-1,3 20 1015 3-4 6x 10–3

Ethylene Propylene
3G EPR 1,3-1,55 20 1014 3-3,8 3,4 x 10–3
Rubber compounds

Ethylene vinyl acetate

4G EVA 1,3-1,5 30 1012 5-6,5 2 x 10–2
compounds

Polychloroprene
5G CR 1,4-1,65 20 1010 6-8,5 5 x 10–2
compounds

Chlorosulphonated
6G CSM 1,3-1,6 25 1012 6-9 2,8 x 10–2
polyethylene compounds

Ethylene-propylene-diene 0,5 x 10–3-1x

EPDM 0,86-2,0 35 1021 2,2-3,0
elastomer 10–2

5 x 10–2-5,5 x
NBR Nitrile butadiene rubber 1,0-1,49 20 1014-1015 6-8,5
10–2

Nitrile butadiene rubber/

NBR/PVC 0,144-0,24 20 1010 6-8,5 5 x 10–2
Polyvinylchloride

BR Polybutadiene 0,9-1,0 20 1010 3-4 5 x 10–2

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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Designation Thermic
Corrosive
Oxygen Heating Thermal- gases in Radiation
Working temp. Melt-temp.
VDE index LOI value H0 conductivity case of resistance
Abbre-
initial- Materials fire
viations
code
Permanent Short
+°C (% O2) MJ·kg-1 W·K-1·m-1 Mrad
(°C) time(°C)

Natural rubber
NR – 65
G Styrene- +120 — %22 21–25 — 100
SBR + 60
butadiene rubber

– 60
2G SiR Silicon rubber +260 — 25–35 17–19 0,22 50
+180

Ethylene No
Propylene – 30
3G EPR +160 — 21–25 — 200
Rubber + 90
compounds
%22
Ethylene
– 30
4G EVA vinyl acetate +200 — 19–23 — 100
+125
compounds

Polychloro-prene – 40
5G CR +140 — 14–19 —
compounds +100
Hydrogen
30–35 50
Chlorosul- chloride
phonated – 30
6G CSM +140 +160 19–23 —
polyethylene + 80
compounds

Ethylene-
– 30
EPDM propylene-diene +120 +160 30–35 14–19 0,26 No 50
+110
elastomer

Nitrile butadiene – 40
NBR +140 +160 30–35 14–19 0,25 No 50
rubber +110

Nitrile butadiene
NBR/ – 40 Hydrogen
rubber/ +140 +160 28 14–19 0,25 50
PVC +105 chloride
Polyvinylchloride

–70
BR Polybutadiene +140 +160 30–35 14–19 0,25 No 50
+70

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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Designation Mechanical Halogen

Elongation at Water
VDE Tensile strength Halogen-free
Abbre- break Shore absorbtion
initial- Materials
viations hardness
code
N/mm2 % %

Natural rubber
NR
G Styrene-butadiene 60–70 (A) No
SBR
rubber
300–600

2G SiR Silicon rubber 5–10 40–80 (A)

Yes
Ethylene Propylene 1,0
3G EPR 200–400 65–85 (A)
Rubber compounds

Ethylene vinyl acetate

4G EVA 8–12 250–350 70–80 (A) No
compounds

Polychloroprene
5G CR 400–700 55–70 (A)
compounds
10–20 No
Chlorosulphonated
6G CSM polyethylene 350–600 60–70 (A) 1,5
compounds

Ethylene-propylene-
EPDM 10-25 250-500 40–90 (A) 0.2 Yes
diene elastomer

NBR Nitrile butadiene rubber 10-25 350-650 40–90 (A) 1 Yes

Nitrile butadiene rubber/

NBR/PVC 10-20 400-700 80-90 (A) 1 No
Polyvinylchloride

BR Polybutadiene 10-15 200-400 48–80 (A) 1 Yes

P = Poor; F= Fair; G = Good; E = Excellent; O = Outstanding

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Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Designation Properties
Low-
VDE Weather,
Abbre- Oxidation Heat Oil tempe- Ozone Abrasion Flame
initial- Materials sun
viations resistance resistance resistance rature resistance resistance resistance
code resistance
flexibility

Natural rubber F F P G F P E P
NR
G
SBR Styrene-
G F P E F P E P
butadiene rubber

2G SiR Silicon rubber E G F-G O O O F F-G

Ethylene
Propylene
3G EPR G E F G-E E E G P
Rubber
compounds

Ethylene
4G EVA vinyl acetate G G G F-G G-E G G-E P
compounds

Polychloro-prene
5G CR G G G F-G G G G-E G
compounds

Chlorosul-
phonated
6G CSM E E G F E E G G
polyethylene
compounds

Ethylene-
EPDM propylene-diene E E P G-E E E G P
elastomer

Nitrile butadiene
NBR F G G-E F F-G P G-E P
rubber

Nitrile butadiene
NBR/
rubber/ E G G F G G E G
PVC
Polyvinylchloride

BR Polybutadiene G F P E F P E P

P = Poor; F= Fair; G = Good; E = Excellent; O = Outstanding

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Designation Properties

Aliphatic Aromatic Halogenated

VDE hydrocarbons hydrocarbons hydrocarbons
Abbre- Water Acid Alkali Alcohol
initial- Materials resistance resistance resistance
viations resistance resistance resistance resistance
code (Gasoline, (Benzol, toluol, (Degreaser
kerosene, etc) etc.) solvents)

Natural rubber G-E F-G F-G P P P G

NR
G
SBR Styrene-
E F-G F-G P P P G
butadiene rubber

2G SiR Silicon rubber G-E F-G F-G P-F P P-G G

Ethylene
Propylene
3G EPR G-E G-E G-E P F P P
Rubber
compounds

Ethylene
4G EVA vinyl acetate G G G G P-F P F
compounds

Polychloro-prene
5G CR G G G G P-F P F
compounds

Chlorosul-
phonated
6G CSM G-E E E F F P-F G
polyethylene
compounds

Ethylene-
EPDM propylene-diene G-E G-E G-E P F P P
elastomer

Nitrile butadiene
NBR G-E G F-G E G P E
rubber

Nitrile butadiene
NBR/
rubber/ E G G G-E G G G
PVC
Polyvinylchloride

BR Polybutadiene E F-G F-G P P P F-G

P = Poor; F= Fair; G = Good; E = Excellent; O = Outstanding

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 Addison

Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Characteristics of High Temp. Insulating and Sheath Materials

Designation Electrical

Specific
Density Break down Dielectric-
VDE volume
Abbre- voltage constant Dielectric loss
initial- Materials resistivity
viations factor tan δ
code
g/cm3 KV/mm (20°C) Ohm·cm 20°C 50 Hz/20°C

10Y PVDF Polyvinylidene fluoride 1,7–1,9 25 1014 9–7 1,4 x 10–2

Ethylene-
7Y ETFE 1,6–1,8 36 1016 2,6 8 x 10–4
Tetrafluorethylene

Fluorinated ethylene
6Y FEP 2,0–2,3 25 1018 2,1 3 x 10–4
propylene

5YX PFA Perfluoroalkoxypolymeric 2,0–2,3 25 1018 2,1 3 x 10–4

5Y PTFE Polytetrafluorethylene 2,0–2,3 20 1018 2,1 3 x 10–4

Ethylene-
E-CTFE 1,67–1,69 39 1015 2,5 9 x 10–3
Chlorotrifluoroethylene

Designation Thermic

Oxygen Heating Thermal- Radiation

Working temp. Melt-temp.
VDE index LOI value H0 conductivity Corrosive resistance
Abbre-
initial- Materials gases in
viations
code Perma- Short -1 -1 -1 case of fire
+°C (% O2) MJ·kg W·K ·m Mrad
nent (°C) time(°C)

Polyvinylidene – 40
10Y PVDF +160 ＞170 40–45 15 0,17 Hydrofluoric 10
fluoride +135

Ethylene- –100
7Y ETFE +180 ＞265 30–35 14 0,24 Yes 10
Tetrafluore-thylene +150

Fluorinated –100
6Y FEP +230 ＞225 ＞95 5 0,26 Yes 1
ethylene propylene +205

Perfluoroalkoxy- –190
5YX PFA +280 ＞290 ＞95 5 0,21 Yes 0,1
polymeric +260

Polytetra- –190
5Y PTFE +300 ＞325 ＞95 5 0,26 Yes 0,1
fluorethylene +260

Ethylene-Chlorotri- –100
E-CTFE +170 ＞242 ＞60 14 0,14 Yes 0,01
fluoroethylene +140

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 Caledonian

Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Designation Mechanical Halogen

Elongation at Water
VDE Tensile strength Halogen-free
Abbre- break absorbtion
initial- Materials Shore hardness
viations
code
N/mm2 % %

Polyvinylidene
10Y PVDF 50–80 150 75–80 (D) 0,01
fluoride

Ethylene-
7Y ETFE 40–50 150 70–75 (D) 0,02
Tetrafluorethylene
Fluorinated
6Y FEP ethylene 15–25 250 55–60 (D) 0,01
propylene No
Perfluoroalkoxy-
5YX PFA 25–30 250 55–60 (D) 0,01
polymeric

Polytetra-
5Y PTFE 80 50 55–60 (D) 0,01
fluorethylene

Ethylene-Chlorotri-
E-CTFE 48 200-300 75 (D) 0,1
fluoroethylene

Designation Properties

Low-
VDE Weather, Flame
Abbre- Oxidation Heat resis- Oil resis- tempe- Ozone Abrasion
initial- Materials sun resis-
viations resistance tance tance rature resis-tance resistance
code resistance tance
flexibility

Polyviny-
10Y PVDF O O E F E-O E E E
lidene fluoride

Ethylene-
7Y ETFE Tetrafluore- E E E E E E E G
thylene
Fluorinated
6Y FEP ethylene O O O O O E E O
propylene

Per-
5YX PFA fluoroalkoxy- E E E E E E G E
polymeric

Polytetra-
5Y PTFE O O E-O O O O O E
fluorethylene
Ethylene-
E-CTFE Chlorotri- O O O O O E E E-O
fluoroethylene

P = Poor; F= Fair; G = Good; E = Excellent; O = Outstanding

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 Addison

Insulation and Jacket Materials Properties

Designation Properties

Aliphatic Aromatic Halogenated

VDE Water Alkali hydrocarbons hydrocarbons hydrocarbons Alcohol
Abbre- Acid resis-
initial- Materials resis- resis- resistance resistance resistance resis-
viations tance
code tance tance (Gasoline, (Benzol, toluol, (Degreaser tance
kerosene, etc) etc.) solvents)

Polyviny-
10Y PVDF E G-E E E G-E G E
lidene fluoride

Ethylene-
7Y ETFE Tetrafluore- E E E E E E E
thylene

Fluorinated
6Y FEP ethylene E E E E E E E
propylene

Per-
5YX PFA fluoroalkoxy- E E E E E E E
polymeric

Polytetra-
5Y PTFE E E E E E E E
fluorethylene

Ethylene-
E-CTFE Chlorotri- E E E E E E E
fluoroethylene

P = Poor; F= Fair; G = Good; E = Excellent; O = Outstanding

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