ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, October 22, 2010 – With increasing demand for power cables that reduce voltage loss and communication cables that improve data transfer, LyondellBasell is introducing several new low and high density polyethylene grades that outperform industry standards used in cable applications.

Produced using LyondellBasell’s Hostalen ACP technology, the new Petrothene KR52828E grade is a multimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE) used in medium voltage jacketing for outdoor power cables. ”Jacketing applications require resins with good melt strength along with excellent physical properties – including high tensile strength and elongation, as well as good abrasion resistance,” said Hans Videler, wire & cable business manager for LyondellBasell. “Customer trials show that Petrothene KR52828E provides superior processability versus standard HDPE materials, which is of key importance when applying jacketing to cables.  In addition, HDPE resins produced with LyondellBasell’s ACP technology have demonstrated improved physical properties in numerous long term outdoor applications, including pressure pipe and Wire & Cable.”

The new Lupolen GX 4087 is a low density polyethylene (LDPE) resin under development for use in medium voltage cables that distribute electrical power from generating plants and substations to transformers. A key requirement is dielectric strength, which is the maximum voltage a material can withstand without failure of insulation properties. Based on IEC 60243 standard tests, the grade provide excellent insulation performance when compared with other competitive LDPE grades.
 
Increased cell phone use or overall increased wireless communication creates strong demand for highly engineered coaxial cables used in high frequency transmission lines. An important polymer requirement is the dissipation factor, which is a measure of signal loss. LyondellBasell’s Alathon and Petrothene resins are used by customers in foamed cable insulation applications to reduce dissipation.

As the most widely used LDPE resin for high-frequency insulated coaxial cables, Petrothene NA217080 offers high melt strength, optimum melt elasticity and good electrical properties. Alathon M5370WC HDPE is used by customers in blends with Petrothene NA217080 to achieve a good balance of electrical, physical and flow properties. “With the launch of our new Alathon M5370RF grade, producers have the potential to achieve even further reductions in signal transmission loss,” said Videler. “The grade has the potential to become the industry’s benchmark in terms of the polymer dissipation factor.”

LyondellBasell’s wire and cable PE grades are produced in North America and Europe, and are available globally through its network of sales representatives, regional agents and distributors.

Note for editorial offices: Press photographs can be downloaded from http://lyondellbasell.mediaroom.com/file.php/419/pressimagewc2010.tif

Photo caption: With increasing demand for power cables that reduce voltage loss, LyondellBasell is introducing new low and high density polyethylene grades that outperform industry standards used in cable applications. The new Lupolen GX 4087 is a low density polyethylene (LDPE) resin under development for use in medium voltage cables. Petrothene KR52828E is a multimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE) used in medium voltage jacketing for outdoor power cables.

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LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world’s largest plastics, chemical and refining companies. The company manufactures products at 59 sites in 18 countries. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive components, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels. More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.lyondellbasell.com.

 

For information, contact:
Media – Waldemar Oldenburger, +49 69 305 854 59 or waldemar.oldenburger@basell.com