US-based Solvay Specialty Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia; www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com) has launched a high-performance polysulfone (PSU) foam for wire and cable applications. The grade, “Udel P-1703 NT”, is the first PSU foam for the wire and cable industry and meets smoke and flame regulations for plenum (CMP) applications.

“The industry is pushing for eco-friendly alternatives in wire and cable and Solvay has responded with a proprietary polymer solution that meets the low-halogen, low-smoke requirements while providing exceptional performance in these demanding applications,” said Michael Finelli, head of sulfone polymers.

The PSU resin, now available in Europe and the US, is claimed to offer a significant cost advantage over competing resins such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) because of its lower specific gravity (1.24) and higher foam rate of 50-60%. It is currently being used for separators in CMP category 6 telecommunication cables and has potential in other plenum applications like fibre optics, jackets, primary insulation, raceways and fire alarm cables.

Solvay expects the material will also comply with other telecommunication regulations, making it suited for riser cables. Other uses are envisaged in rail and shipping, oil and gas platforms and other confined space applications.