What are the main differences between PVC jacket compounds and low‑smoke, halogen‑free, radiation‑crosslinked compounds? How should you make your selection?

PVC jacket compounds offer good mechanical strength and weather resistance, with relatively low costs, making them suitable for general wires and cables used in ordinary environments. Low-smoke, halogen‑free, radiation‑crosslinked compounds emit minimal smoke when burned and do not produce halogen gases, providing superior environmental friendliness and safety—making them ideal for use in densely populated areas such as subways, airports, and hospitals, as well as in locations with stringent environmental requirements. When selecting a material, it is essential to comprehensively consider the cable’s operating environment, safety standards, and cost budget.

What is the difference between UV irradiation crosslinking and silane crosslinking? What are the respective advantages of each?

UV irradiation crosslinking induces crosslinking reactions via ultraviolet light, offering fast production speeds, low energy consumption, and uniform crosslinking degrees, making it ideal for manufacturing thin-walled insulated wires. Silane crosslinking, on the other hand, triggers crosslinking through warm water or steam; it requires relatively modest equipment investment and is well suited for producing large‑size, thick‑walled cables. Both methods can enhance the heat resistance and mechanical properties of the material, but the specific choice should be determined based on cable structure and production conditions.

Does low‑smoke, halogen‑free material mean it contains absolutely no halogens? How can it be tested?

Yes, low‑smoke, halogen‑free materials must have a halogen content (such as chlorine and bromine) below specific limits (typically according to IEC 60754 standards). We verify the halogen‑free properties of materials through methods like oxygen index testing, pH value testing, and conductivity testing, and we can provide third‑party test reports.

What are the storage conditions and shelf life of irradiated crosslinked cable compounds?

Irradiated crosslinked cable compounds should be stored in a dry, well‑ventilated, and light‑shaded warehouse, with temperatures kept moderate (recommended not to exceed 35°C). The shelf life of unirradiated base materials is generally 6 months, while irradiated finished products are best used within 12 months—refer to the product label or technical data sheet for specific guidelines.

Is your company’s cable material suitable for cables used in the State Grid or railway systems?

Yes. Our company’s products have been consistently supplied as supporting components for Tongda Co., Ltd. (a strategic supplier to State Grid Corporation of China and China Railway Corporation). The cables we produce are widely used in key national projects such as the Three Gorges Project and the Olympic Games infrastructure, and are exported to multiple countries. Our materials comply with relevant industry standards and meet the technical specifications set by our customers.

How can we ensure the stability of material properties during mass production?

We have established a comprehensive quality management system that covers everything from raw material inspection upon arrival at the factory, through process control, to final product testing before shipment. Critical processes are governed by automated controls, and each batch of products undergoes testing for mechanical properties, electrical performance, thermal elongation, and more, ensuring consistency between batches.

Can cable compounds with specific performance characteristics—such as high-temperature resistance, oil resistance, or flame retardancy—be developed according to customer requirements?

Yes, our company’s R&D team can customize cable compound products tailored to meet specific customer requirements—such as high-temperature resistance at 105°C/125°C, oil resistance, or enhanced flame retardancy—based on the technical specifications or application scenarios provided by clients. The typical development cycle is 30–60 days.

What could be the reasons for surface roughness or unstable extrusion output during the processing of cable compounds?

Possible causes include: ① Improper extrusion temperature settings leading to poor material plasticization; ② Moisture in the raw materials, requiring drying treatment; ③ Mismatch between screw speed and traction speed; ④ Clogged filter screens or an improperly designed die. We recommend adjusting process parameters or contacting our technical staff for assistance with analysis.

Has your company’s product obtained international certifications? Can it be used for export cables?

Our company’s products comply with relevant domestic standards and can undergo testing and adaptation for international certifications such as UL, CE, and RoHS according to customer requirements. The cables we export in cooperation with Tongda Shares have been deployed in regions including Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia, demonstrating that our materials meet the technical specifications for export cables.

What are the differences in environmental performance between irradiation‑crosslinked and chemically crosslinked cable compounds?

Radiation crosslinking is a physical crosslinking process that does not involve chemical initiators and leaves no residual byproducts, making it more environmentally friendly. Chemical crosslinking may use initiators such as peroxides, which can generate small amounts of byproducts during the crosslinking process; however, products that comply with relevant environmental standards are safe under normal conditions of use.