SABIC has introduced three new families of non-fluorinated Siltem resin blends. The materials are positioned as potential replacements for fluoropolymers such as ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in wire and cable used in automotive, industrial and oil and gas environments. By eliminating fluorine, the blends address regulatory restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a broad category that includes fluoropolymers.
Built on the properties of Siltem polyetherimide/siloxane (PEI-Si) copolymer resin, the blends are designed for easier processing and improved performance, including better thermal and chemical resistance. Within wire and cable, Sabic lists potential uses such as strain reliefs, data cables, heat-tracing cables and under-hood automotive wiring. Beyond wire and cable, the company cites seals, gaskets and heat-shrink tubes, where the material can be crosslinked to meet shape-memory requirements. The blends are available for sampling.
"Many wire and cable customers are looking for alternatives to fluoropolymers that address regulatory concerns and strict performance requirements," said Sergi Monros, vice president, SABIC Polymers, Specialties BU. "Our new Siltem resin blends address growing demands for materials that avoid fluorine while raising the bar on performance and processing."
Applications and availability
The non-fluorinated formulation builds on PEI-Si copolymer characteristics to combine processing convenience with resistance properties relevant for demanding cable and component environments. Candidate applications include wire and cable elements and selected sealing uses, and samples are available for evaluation.
SABIC’s three new families of non-fluorinated Siltem resin blends can potentially replace fluoropolymers in wire & cable applications such as jacketing and tubing.
