FLAME RETARDANT MIXTURES, FLAME-RETARDANT POLYMER COMPOSITIONS, CABLES ENDOWED THEREWITH AND USE THEREOF

Abstract

Flame retardant mixtures, flame-retardant polymer compositions, cables endowed therewith and use thereof What are described are flame retardant mixtures comprising a) salt of a phosphinic acid of the formula (I) in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl that are optionally substituted, M is an m-valent cation, and m is 1 to 4, b) salt of a phosphinic acid of the formula (II) that differs from component a) in which R.sub.3 is optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, preferably with alkyl radicals as substituents, R.sub.4 is alkyl with an even number of carbon atoms, with the proviso that, if R.sub.1 and/or R.sub.2 are alkyl, R.sub.4 has twice, three times or four times the number of carbon atoms of R.sub.1 or R.sub.2, M is an n-valent cation, and n is 1 to 4, c) organylphosphonate, d) phosphite, e) silicate, alumosilicate and/or silicon dioxide which is solid at 25° C., f) a representative selected from the group of triazine complex, polyphosphate, hypophosphite, nitrogen-containing diphosphate, organophosphate, phosphazene and/or polyphosphonate, g) optionally a representative selected from the group of metal hydroxide, metal carbonate, metal borate, zinc stannate and/or intumescent additive, and h) optionally pigment. The mixtures can be used for production of flame-retardant polymer compositions comprising thermoplastic and elastomeric polymers that are of excellent suitability for production of cable sheaths or cable insulations.

##STR00001##

Claims

1. A flame retardant mixture, comprising: a) salt of a phosphinic acid of the formula (I) ##STR00008## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl that are optionally substituted, M is an m-valent cation, and m is 1 to 4, b) salt of a phosphinic acid of the formula (II) that differs from component a) ##STR00009## in which R.sub.3 is optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, preferably with alkyl radicals as substituents, R.sub.4 is alkyl with an even number of carbon atoms, with the proviso that, if R.sub.1 and/or R.sub.2 are alkyl, R.sub.4 has twice, three times or four times the number of carbon atoms of R.sub.1 or R.sub.2, M is an n-valent cation, and n is 1 to 4, c) organylphosphonate, d) phosphite, e) silicate, alumosilicate and/or silicon dioxide which is solid at 25° C., f) at least one representative selected from the group of triazine complex, polyphosphate, hypophosphite, nitrogen-containing diphosphate, organophosphate, phosphazene and/or polyphosphonate, g) optionally a representative selected from the group of metal hydroxide, metal carbonate, metal borate, zinc stannate and/or intumescent additive, and h) optionally pigment.

2. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, which comprises, as well as components a) to f), a representative of component g).

3. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein M is a mono- to tetravalent metal cation, most preferably Al, Fe, TiO.sub.p or Zn, in which p is a number having the value of (4−m)/2 or having the value of (4−n)/2.

4. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl or phenyl, and are especially each ethyl.

5. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein R.sub.3 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl or phenyl, especially ethyl, R.sub.4 is ethyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl or decyl, n is 2 or 3 and M is Al, Fe or Zn.

6. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein component c) is a compound of the formula (III) ##STR00010## in which R.sub.5 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl that is optionally substituted, Met is an o-valent cation, and o is 1 to 4.

7. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 6, wherein R.sub.5 is methyl or ethyl, o is 2 or 3 and Met is Al, Fe or Zn.

8. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein component d) is a compound of the formula (IV) or (V)
[(HO)PO.sub.2].sup.2−.sub.q/2 Cat.sup.q+  (IV)
[(HO).sub.2PO].sup.−.sub.q Cat.sup.q+  (V) in which Cat is a q-valent cation, especially a cation of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, an ammonium cation and/or a cation of Fe, Zn or especially of Al, including the cations Al(OH) or Al(OH).sub.2, and q is 1, 2, 3 or 4.

9. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein component e) is selected from the group consisting of talc, wollastonite, amorphous silicon dioxide, montmorillonite, zeolite and kaolinite.

10. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 9, wherein component e) is selected from the group consisting of talc and amorphous silicon dioxide.

11. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein component f) is a combination of melamine cyanurate with melamine polyphosphate.

12. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein component f) is a melamine polyphosphate having a decomposition temperature of not less than 320° C., especially of not less than 360° C. and most preferably of not less than 400° C.

13. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein component g) is aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, zinc borate and/or zinc stannate.

14. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, which comprises: 2-88.895% by weight of component a), 0.005-10% by weight of component b), 0.005-10% by weight of component c), 0.005-20% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-80% by weight of component f), 0-85% by weight of component g), and 0-30% by weight of component h).

15. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 14, which comprises; 5-60% by weight of component a), 0.08-8% by weight of component b), 0.08-8% by weight of component c), 0.08-20% by weight of component d), 5-35% by weight of component e), 30-70% by weight of component f), and 0.3-10% by weight of component h).

16. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 14, which comprises; 20-60% by weight of component a), 0.08-8% by weight of component b), 0.08-8% by weight of component c), 0.08-20% by weight of component d), 5-35% by weight of component e), 30-70% by weight of component f), 1-40% by weight of component g), and 0.3-10% by weight of component h).

17. The flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, which comprises, as component a), a compound of the formula (I) in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each ethyl and M is Al, and, as component b), a compound of the formula (II) selected from the group of the Al salts of ethylbutylphosphinic acid, dibutylphosphinic acid, ethylhexylphosphinic acid, butylhexylphosphinic acid or dihexylphosphinic acid.

18. A flame-retardant polymer composition additionally comprising, in addition to a flame retardant mixture as claimed in claim 1, as component i), at least one thermoplastically elastomeric polymer.

19. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein component i) is selected from the group of the thermoplastic and elastomeric polyurethanes (TPE-U), thermoplastic and elastomeric polyesters (TPE-E), thermoplastic and elastomeric polyamides (TPE-A), thermoplastic and elastomeric polyolefins (TPE-O), thermoplastic and elastomeric styrene polymers (TPE-S), thermoplastic silicone vulcanizates or the mixtures of two or more of these thermoplastic and elastomeric polymers.

20. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 19, which comprises, as component j), polyphenylene oxide and/or polyolefin.

21. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 20, which comprises, as component k), further additives, especially stabilizers, antistats, emulsifiers, nucleating agents, plasticizers, lubricants, processing auxiliaries, impact modifiers, further flame retardants other than components a), b), c), d), e), f) and g), fillers and/or reinforcers.

22. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 18, which comprises: 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.0001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-50% by weight of component f), 0-50% by weight of component g), 0.1-15% by weight of component h), and 40-85% by weight of component i), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

23. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 22, which comprises: 1-45% by weight of component a), 0.025-2.5% by weight of component b), 0.025-2.5% by weight of component c), 0.025-10% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-50% by weight of component f), 0-25% by weight of component g), 0.15-7.5% by weight of component h), and 40-85% by weight of component i).

24. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 23, which comprises 0.5-25% by weight of component g).

25. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 20, which comprises: 1-25% by weight of component a), 0.016-3% by weight of component b), 0.016-3% by weight of component c), 0.016-8% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), 0.4-8% by weight of component h), 45-85% by weight of component i), and 0.5-20% by weight of polyphenylene oxide as component j), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

26. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 20, which comprises: 1-25% by weight of component a), 0.016-3% by weight of component b), 0.016-3% by weight of component c), 0.016-8% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), 1-40% by weight of component g), 0.4-8% by weight of component h), 45-85% by weight of component i), and 0.5-20% by weight of polyphenylene oxide as component j), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

27. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 20, which comprises: 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.00001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), 0-50% by weight of component g), 0.1-15% by weight of component h), 11-73% by weight of thermoplastic and elastomeric polyurethane as component i), 0-51% by weight, preferably 11-51% by weight, of polyolefin as component j) and/or 0-30% by weight of polyphenylene oxide as component j), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

28. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 20, which comprises: 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.00001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), 0-50% by weight of component g), 0.1-15% by weight of component h), 11-73% by weight of thermoplastic and elastomeric polyurethane as component i), 0-40% by weight of thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate as component i), 1-40% by weight of polyolefin as component j), and 0-30% by weight of polyphenylene oxide as component j), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

29. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 21, which comprises: 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.00001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), 0-50% by weight of component g), 0.1-15% by weight of component h), 7-42% by weight of SEBS as component i), 5-40% by weight of polyolefin as component j), 0-30% by weight, especially 0.1% to 30% by weight, of polyphenylene oxide as component j), and 5-30% by weight of mineral oil as component k), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

30. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 21, which comprises: 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.00001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), 0-50% by weight of component g), 0.1-15% by weight of component h), 7-42% by weight of SEBS as component i), 1-20% by weight of EPDM as component i), 5-40% by weight of polyolefin as component j), 0-30% by weight, especially 0.1% to 30% by weight, of polyphenylene oxide as component j), and 5-30% by weight of mineral oil as component k), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

31. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 20, which comprises: 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.00001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), 0-50% by weight of component g), 0.1-15% by weight of component h), 23-80% by weight of TPE-E as component i), 7-41% by weight of styrene-rubber block copolymer or styrene-rubber triblock copolymer as component i), and 0-30% by weight, especially 0.1% to 30% by weight, of polyphenylene oxide as component j), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

32. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 21, which comprises: 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.00001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), 0-50% by weight of component g), 0.1-15% by weight of component h), 8-57% by weight of TPE-E as component i), 3-42% by weight of SEBS as component i), 0-30% by weight, especially 0.1% to 30% by weight, of polyphenylene oxide as component j), and 2-30% by weight of mineral oil as component k), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

33. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 21, which comprises: 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.00001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), 0-50% by weight of component g), 0.1-15% by weight of component h), 8-57% by weight of TPE-O as component i), 3-42% by weight of SEBS as component i), 0-30% by weight, especially 0.1% to 30% by weight, of polyphenylene oxide as component j), and 2-30% by weight of mineral oil as component k), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

34. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 20, which comprises 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.00001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), preferably of at least one representative from the group of triazine complex, MPP, hypophosphite, nitrogen-containing diphosphates, organophosphates or phosphazene, 0-50% by weight of component g), preferably of at least one representative from the group of metal hydroxides or metal carbonates, 0.1-15% by weight of component h), 6.4-78% by weight of TPE-E as component i), 6.4-25% by weight of polybutene as component j), and 1-40% by weight of polyphenylene oxide as component j), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

35. The flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 20, which comprises: 0.1-45% by weight of component a), 0.00001-5% by weight of component b), 0.00001-5% by weight of component c), 0.00001-12% by weight of component d), 1-40% by weight of component e), 10-40% by weight of component f), preferably of at least one representative from the group of triazine complex, MPP, hypophosphite, nitrogen-containing diphosphates, organophosphates or phosphazene, 0-50% by weight of component g), preferably of at least one representative from the group of metal hydroxides or metal carbonates, 0.1-15% by weight of component h), 6-55% by weight of TPE-E as component i), 8-78% by weight of SEBS as component i), 6-25% by weight of polybutene as component j), and 1-40% by weight of polyphenylene oxide as component j), where the percentages are based on the total mass of the polymer composition.

36. A molding produced from a flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 18.

37. The use of the flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 18 in or for plug connectors, current-bearing components in power distributors (residual current protection), circuit boards, potting compounds, plug connectors, circuit breakers, lamp housings, LED housings, capacitor housings, coil elements and ventilators, grounding contacts, plugs, in/on printed circuit boards, housings for plugs, flexible circuit boards, engine hoods or textile coatings, and especially for all kinds of cables, cable sheaths or cable insulations.

38. The use as claimed in claim 37, wherein the flame-retardant polymer composition is used for production of cable sheaths.

39. A cable, comprising: A) one or more conduits, and B) at least one layer comprising the flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 18.

40. A cable, comprising: i) one or more conduits, ii) at least one sheath of the conduit(s) with at least one polymeric layer, iii) optionally at least one layer of separating agent on the sheath of the conduit(s), iv) optionally at least one layer of shielding material, v) optionally filling elements introduced between the conduits i), the one or more sheaths or layers ii), iii) or iv), and vi) optionally an outer shell with at least one polymeric layer, wherein at least one of the polymeric layers comprises the flame-retardant polymer composition as claimed in claim 18.

Description

[0471] FIG. 1 describes, by way of example, a configuration of a cable of the invention. What are shown are conduits (1, 2) each ensheathed by a layer (3, 4) of the polymer composition of the invention. The ensheathed conduit (2) is additionally encased on the outer shell of the sheath (4) by a layer of separating agent (5). The combination of conduits (1, 3 and 2, 4, 5) is encased by a layer (6) of non-flame-retardant polymer composition. Within this casing, as well as the combination of conduits, there are also filler elements (7). On the outside of layer (6) is mounted a film screen (8), for example made of metal braid. One or more of these cable elements composed of the combination of conduits and the further elements (6, 7, 8) are ultimately provided with an outer polymer shell (9). FIG. 1 elucidates an embodiment of a cable of the invention without limiting the invention thereto.

[0472] In a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, it is conceivable that the conduits (1, 2) are each ensheathed by a layer (3, 4) of a polymer composition, where said polymer composition is not a polymer composition of the invention. The ensheathed conduit (2) is additionally encased on the outer shell of the sheath (4) by a layer of separating agent (5). The combination of conduits (1, 3 and 2, 4, 5) is encased by a layer (6) of non-flame-retardant polymer composition. Within this casing, as well as the combination of conduits, there are also filler elements (7). On the outside of layer (6) is mounted a film screen (8), for example made of metal braid. One or more of these cable elements composed of the combination of conduits and the further elements (6, 7, 8) are ultimately provided with an outer polymer shell (9) of flame-retardant polymer composition of the invention.

[0473] In a further configuration of the cable of the invention, it is also conceivable that the conduits (1, 2) are each ensheathed by a layer (3, 4) of polymer composition, where just one of the layers (3, 4) contains a flame-retardant polymer composition of the invention and the other of the layers (3, 4) does not contain a flame-retardant polymer composition of the invention.

[0474] The examples which follow elucidate the invention without restricting it.

[0475] Production, processing and testing of flame-retardant polymer compounds. The raw materials were mixed in the ratios specified in the tables and incorporated in a twin-screw extruder (Leistritz ZSE 27/44D) at temperatures of 180° C. to 260° C., depending on the polymer. The homogenized polymer strand was drawn off, cooled in a water bath and then pelletized.

[0476] After sufficient drying, the molding compounds were processed to UL 94 test specimens on an injection molding machine (Arburg 320 C Allrounder) at melt temperatures of 180 to 270° C. (thickness 1.6 mm).

[0477] They were tested and classified for flame retardancy using the UL 94 test (Underwriter Laboratories).

[0478] The UL 94 fire classifications are as follows: [0479] V-0: afterflame time never longer than 10 sec, total of afterflame times for 10 flame applications not more than 50 sec, no flaming drops, no complete consumption of the specimen, afterglow time for specimens never longer than 30 sec after end of flame application. [0480] V-1: afterflame time never longer than 30 sec after end of flame application, total of afterflame times for 10 flame applications not more than 250 sec, afterglow time for specimens never longer than 60 sec after end of flame application, other criteria as for V-0. [0481] V-2: cotton indicator ignited by flaming drops, other criteria as for V-1. Not classifiable (ncl): does not comply with fire classification V-2.

[0482] The dried granules were used to produce three-core cable (3×0.34 mm.sup.2) having an external diameter of about 4 mm. In accordance with the specifications from Underwriter Laboratories, the cables were subjected to the following fire tests:

[0483] UL VW-1 vertical-wire flame test (UL 1581):

[0484] A single cable is secured vertically and subjected to 5×15 s flame applications.

[0485] The test has been passed when the cable is extinguished within 60 s each time, the paper tab secured to the cable is destroyed to an extent of less than 25%, and the indicator beneath the cable is not ignited. This test is very similar to the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) FT-1 test.

[0486] CSA FT-2 Horizontal Flame Test:

[0487] A horizontally secured cable is subjected to 5×15 s flame applications. The test is considered to have been passed when the cable is not damaged over more than 100 mm and no burning parts have fallen off the cable.

[0488] CSA FT-4 Vertical Tray Flame Test (UL 1581):

[0489] Cables are mounted vertically on a frame. Thin cables (diameter less than 13 mm) are bundled according to the standard. The cables are subjected to flame application with a 500 W burner (3000 BTU/hour) for 20 minutes. The test is considered to have been passed when less than 1.5 m is damaged.

[0490] The cables of the invention have been tested according to UL 1581 and UL 758 and have passed the mechanical test with aging.

[0491] Raw Materials

[0492] Telomer used in accordance with the invention is aluminum ethylbutylphosphinate present in a proportion in a phosphinic acid salt, for example in the aluminum salt of diethylphosphinic acid prepared in analogy to example 1 of DE 10 2014 001 222 A1 (components a) and b)).

[0493] Alkylphosphonate used in accordance with the invention is aluminum ethylphosphonate prepared according to example 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,007 B2 (component c)).

[0494] Phosphite used in accordance with the invention is aluminum salt of phosphonic acid prepared according to example 1 of DE 10 2011 120 218 A1 (component d)).

[0495] Silicate used in accordance with the invention is ®Jetfine 3CA from IMCD (component e)).

[0496] Silicate used in accordance with the invention is ®Tremin 283-600 AST from Quarzwerke (component e)).

[0497] Silicon dioxide used in accordance with the invention is ®Sidistar T120 from ELKEM (component e)).

[0498] Triazine complex used in accordance with the invention is melamine Cyanurate®Melapur MC15 from BASF (component f)).

[0499] Polyphosphate used in accordance with the invention is ®Budit 3141 from Budenheim (component f)).

[0500] Phosphazene used in accordance with the invention is ®Rabitle FP-110 from Fushimi (component f)).

[0501] Polyphosphonate used in accordance with the invention is ®Nofia OL5000 from FRX Polymers (component f)).

[0502] Zinc borate used in accordance with the invention is ®Firebrake 500 from Rio Tinto (component g)).

[0503] Titanium dioxide used in accordance with the invention is ®Kronos 2190 from Kronos International (component h)).

[0504] Zinc oxide used in accordance with the invention is Zinkoxid AC from BrOggemann Chemical (component h)).

[0505] Carbon black used in accordance with the invention is ®Thermax N990 (Carbon Black) from Cancarb (component h)).

[0506] SEBS used in accordance with the invention is ®Hytrel G1651 from DuPont (component i)).

[0507] TPE-E used in accordance with the invention is ®Hytrel G4074 from DuPont (component i)).

[0508] TPE-E used in accordance with the invention is ®Hytrel 4056 from DuPont (component i)).

[0509] SEBS used in accordance with the invention is SEBS 6154 from Taiwan Rubber Co. (component i)).

[0510] PP used in accordance with the invention is type K7926 from Shanghai Secco Petrochemical (component j)).

[0511] TPU used in accordance with the invention is Type®Wantane WHT-8190 from Yantai Wanhua (component i)).

[0512] TPU used in accordance with the invention is ®Elastollan 1185 A10 from BASF (component i)).

EXAMPLES 1-4 (COMPARISONS)

[0513] The raw materials in table 1 were used, by the general methods, to produce compounds, test specimens were produced and cables were extruded. The test specimens were tested according to UL 94, and the cables according to the cable tests described. In UL 94, it was possible to attain only class V-2 with flaming drops. The demanding cable tests FT-2 and FT-4 were failed.

EXAMPLES 5-7 (INVENTIVE)

[0514] According to the general methods, with the figures from table 2, TPEE, SEBS, phosphinic salt, telomer, phosphonate, phosphite, triazine complex, polyphosphate, silicate, silicon dioxide and pigments were used to produce flame-retardant polymer compounds of the invention, specimens and cables were produced and the fire protection classification was determined. The highest UL 94 classes V-1 and V-0 were achieved without dripping. Both VW-1 cable test and the demanding cable tests FT-2 and FT-4 were passed in an outstanding manner.

EXAMPLES 8-13 (INVENTIVE)

[0515] According to general methods, with the figures from table 3, polyolefin, TPU, phosphinic salt, telomer, phosphonate, phosphite, triazine complex, polyphosphate, polyphosphonate, silicate and silicon dioxide and pigments were used to produce flame-retardant polymer compounds of the invention, specimens and cables were produced and the fire protection classification was determined. The highest UL 94 class V-0 was achieved without dripping. Both VW-1 cable test and the demanding cable tests FT-2 and FT-4 were passed in an outstanding manner.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparative examples Phos- Phos- Tri- Zn phinic Telo- pho- Phos- azine Poly- bo- VW-1 FT-2 FT-4 TPU TPEE SEBS salt mers nate phite complex phosphate rate ZnO TiO.sub.2 UL 94 passed passed passed Ex. [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] (1.6 mm) [y/n] [y/n] [y/n] V1 65 — — 8.08 — — — 20 6   — — 0.92 V-2 Y N N V2 — 76.1 — 21.4 — — — — — 1.5 — 1 V-2 N N N V3 — 48 35.3 7.4 — — — 7.2 1.1 — 1 — V-2 Y N N V4 64 — — 9.0 — — — 27 — — — — V-2 N N N

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 TPEE and TPEE styrene-butadiene block copolymer blends Phos- Phos- Tri- phinic Telo- pho- Phos- azine Poly- Sili- VW-1 FT-2 FT-4 TPEE SEBS salt mers nate phite compl. phosphate cate SiO.sub.2 TiO.sub.2 ZnO UL 94 passed passed passed Ex. [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] (1.6 mm) [y/n] [y/n] [y/n] 5 65 — 15.6 0.1 0.01 0.01 10.2 5.1 — 2 2 — V-0 Y Y Y 6 71 — 9.3 0.09 0.007 0.007 9.7 4.1 3 1 1.8 — V-1 Y Y Y 7 42 23.6 15.8 0.1 0.007 1.5 6.7 5.3 5 — — — V-0 Y Y Y

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 TPU and TPU-PP blends Poly- Phos- Tri- propy- phinic Telo- Phos- Phos- azine Poly- lene TPU salt mers phonate phite compl. phosphate Silicate SiO.sub.2 Ex. [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] [%] 8 6 51 20.1 1.8 0.07 0.07 10 4.5 5.5 — 9 — 57 20.1 1.7 0.07 0.1 4 10 6 — 10 — 54 15 0.9 0.04 0.04 9 7 — 14 11 — 53 15 1 0.02 0.02 9 — — 15 12 — 57 18 0.8 1.1 0.1 11 6 6 — 13 — 53 17.4 0.2 0.02 4.4 10.5 7 6 — Poly- Carbon VW-1 FT-2 FT-4 phosphonate TiO.sub.2 black UL 94 passed passed passed Ex. [%] [%] [%] (1.6 mm) [y/n] [y/n] [y/n] 8 — — 1 V-0 Y Y Y 9 — 1 — V-0 Y Y Y 10 — — — V-0 Y Y Y 11 6 — 1 V-0 Y Y Y 12 — — — V-0 Y Y Y 13 — —   1.5 V-0 Y Y Y