Cleanliness:
Extraordinary cleanliness is assured through a number of precautions taken during the manufacturing of DOW ENDURANCE™ HFDK-4201 EHV. The specifications are set to exclude metallic contaminants >50µm and other contaminants >70µm via continuous sampling. Contaminant counts/kg of particles <70µm are reported.
Processing Recommendations.DOW ENDURANCE HFDK-4201 EHV provides excellent surface finish and outstanding output rates over a broad range of conditions. For optimum results, melt extrusion temperatures of 115 -140°C, and preferably 130°C, are recommended for HV/EHV applications.If desirable, DOW ENDURANCE HFDK-4201 EHV allows the use of fine mesh screens (400mesh/30µm or 635mesh/20µm) without causing pressure build up over time. For normal use a 250 mesh screen (50µm) is sufficient.At start-up, it is recommended to use DFDK-4850 transition compound to achieve stable extruder conditions.Stabilization system and color development.The Dow ENDURANCE™ HFDK-4201 EHV is equipped with a very efficient stabilization system, providing excellent stability against both thermal degradation and scorch. The stabilizer is compatible with PE and does not recrystallize in the end product. The result is cables without crystal contamination or sweat-out issues. Most AOs add color to plastic when exposed to heat. The interaction of the AO and peroxide in the HFDK-type XLPE generates a reddish-orange color in thermoplastic material. During crosslinking this, this color becomes totally transparent in the melt, or translucent white upon solidification. For thick walled cables and/or cables with higher heat exposure, a greenish-yellow color may appear. The strength of this color is increasing with the heat exposure. The coloration of the caused by the interaction of the AO and the peroxide does not involve the polymer. The ppm level of coloring agents measured in the plastic represents a fraction of a percent of the AO, and therefore does not influence the polymer, nor the AO itself. The performance and service life of the finished cable is therefore not affected by the color.Note that the transition compound DFDK-4850 does not show this color as peroxide is not present in the transition material.Storage:The environment or conditions of storage greatly influences the recommended storage time. Storage under extreme conditions may affect the quality, processing, or performance of the product. Storage should be in accordance with good manufacturing practices. DOW ENDURANCE HFDK-4201 EHV is extremely storage stable at elevated temperatures. Peroxide may start to migrate at temperatures below 15°C.The recommended maximum storage time is 1 year at 40°C and not more than 2 months below 15°C. In general, the material can be used within two years after production if stored the remaining time between 15 and 30°C. It is recommended that the practice of using the product on a first-in / first-out basis be established.Packaging:DOW ENDURANCE™ HFDK-4201 EHV can be delivered in Dow's UNICLEAN™ big bags or in 1000 kg octabins. |