ATLANTA, Dec. 15, 2008 – Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), part of J.M. Huber Corporation, today announced the launch of Vertex® 100 SV, a surface-treated magnesium hydroxide (MDH) specifically designed to boost flame retardant (FR) properties of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA). Flame retardant EVA compounds are primarily used in wire and cable applications.
Vertex 100 SV brings multiple benefits to copolymer applications, including improved flame retardancy and processability (higher throughput rates) and excellent physical properties. It improves flame retardancy through better, more uniform dispersion of MDH particles in the polymer matrix and will also significantly reduce the rate of heat release and smoke production compared to untreated magnesium hydroxide products. Simultaneously, Vertex 100 SV significantly increases the limiting oxygen index, which correlates with reduced flammability of the EVA compound.
“Vertex 100SV is a significant product technology innovation, as it provides the ideal solution at reduced loading levels,” says Joe Copeland, business development director for Huber’s alumina trihydrate (ATH) and MDH businesses. “The grade also increases physicals and enables improved throughput and line speed at the reduced FR loading levels, while maintaining FR properties. We are excited to bring this product to the marketplace.”
Vertex 100 SV is recommended for use where low smoke generation is important, such as EVA-based wire and cable compounds and interior construction materials, such as fire retardant partition boards and electrical jacketing applications. It can also be used in other polymer systems, such as EPDM, polypropylene and silicone elastomers, where it will benefit mechanical and low temperature properties and water resistance.
For more information on Vertex 100 SV, call 1-866-564-8237 or visit hubermaterials.com.
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