In recent years, the demand for low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) cable materials has surged due to their safety and environmental benefits. One of the key materials used in these cables is cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). This article briefly introduces some applications of LSZH cable materials and XLPE wire materials, focusing on their advantages and the latest developments in this field.
Cross-linked polyethylene, often abbreviated as XLPE, is a type of polyethylene with cross-linking. This cross-linking process enhances the thermal, mechanical and chemical properties of the material, making it ideal for a variety of applications. XLPE wire materials are widely used in high-voltage cable insulation sheaths, high-voltage wires for new energy vehicles, charging pile cables, high-speed rail locomotive cables, photovoltaic cables, etc.
XLPE insulation materials have several advantages over traditional materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
These advantages include:
1. Thermal stability: XLPE materials can withstand high temperatures without deformation, making them suitable for high-voltage applications.
2. Chemical resistance: The structure of cross-linked polyethylene has excellent chemical resistance, ensuring durability in harsh environments.
3. Mechanical strength: XLPE has excellent mechanical properties, including resistance to abrasion and stress cracking.
XLPE wires are widely used due to their rugged performance. Some key applications include:
1. Power transmission and distribution high-voltage cables: XLPE cable materials are commonly used in the manufacture of power transmission and distribution high-voltage cables for buildings, industrial facilities and public power grids.
2. Cables for high-speed rail locomotives: The high temperature and chemical resistance of XLPE insulation materials make it suitable for the manufacture of cables for locomotives such as high-speed rail and subways.
3. Photovoltaic cables: The chemical resistance of cross-linked polyethylene makes it suitable for solar photovoltaic wires.
4. New energy vehicle wires: XLPE wire materials are increasingly used in high-voltage cables and charging pile cables for new energy vehicles due to their excellent thermal and mechanical properties.
The cross-linking of polyethylene can be achieved by various methods, including radiation cross-linking, peroxide cross-linking and silane cross-linking. Each method has its advantages and can be selected according to specific application requirements. The degree of crosslinking significantly affects the performance of the material, with the higher the crosslinking density, the better the thermal and mechanical properties.
Low smoke zero halogen cables are designed to release minimal smoke when exposed to fire and do not produce halogens. This makes them more suitable for use in confined spaces and poorly ventilated areas, such as tunnels, underground railway networks and public buildings. LSZH cables are made from thermoplastic or thermosetting compounds and produce very low levels of smoke and toxic fumes, ensuring better visibility and reduced health risks during fires.
LSZH cable materials are used in a variety of applications where safety and environmental issues are critical.
Some key applications include:
1. Cables for public buildings: LSZH cable materials are often used in flame-retardant cables for public buildings such as airports, railway stations and hospitals to ensure safety during fires.
2. Transportation: These cable materials are used in flame-retardant cables inside cars, airplanes, train carriages and ships to minimize the risk of toxic fumes during fires.
3. Cables for Tunnels and Underground Railways: LSZH cables are low smoke and halogen-free, making them ideal for use in tunnels and underground railway networks.
4. Class B1 Cables: LSZH materials are commonly used in Class B1 cables, which are designed to meet stringent fire safety standards and are used in high-rise buildings and other critical infrastructure.
Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) cable materials are versatile and durable, and are widely used in various industries due to their excellent thermal, chemical and mechanical properties. Their applications continue to grow with the continuous advancement of technology and the increasing demand for safer and more environmentally friendly materials. As the demand for reliable and safe cable materials continues to increase, XLPE and LSZH are expected to play a key role in meeting these requirements.
