Non-fireproof cable sheathings are regarded as one of the main causes for the spreading of fire and gases in buildings. Apart from that, maintaining the function of power-carrying cables during such incidents is very important for rescue operations, for example to keep elevators working. Employees at the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Polymers (CRCP; AUS-3168 Notting Hill, Victoria; www.crcp.com.au) have, together with various universities, the Australia Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO, AUS-3195 Aspendale, Victoria; www.csiro.au), the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO, AUS-2600 Canberra, Australia; www.dsto.defence.gov.au), and the cable producer Olex Cables Australia (AUS-3012 Tottenham, Victoria; www.olexcables.com.au) developed a new fire-resistant plastic that ceramises at very high temperatures (1,000 °C) instead of melting and decomposing. Dr. Ian Dagley, CEO of the CRCP, expects the development to open up additional applications, for example, for fire doors and fireproof window seals.

The properties of the new plastic at normal temperatures are said to be the same as those of other polymers. Additives are added to the basic polymer to extend the range in which the polymer remains flexible. The material, says Chris Goodes, CEO of the specifically founded marketing company, Ceram Polymerik Pty Ltd. (AUS-3168 Notting Hill, Victoria), remains fully functional at temperatures up to “at least 1,000 °C.” The ceramic as a result of the fire forms a barrier that prevents the spreading of fire and gases from one part of a building to another. The material can be extruded or injection-moulded on conventional machines like any other polymer. Expanded foam applications, he said, were also conceivable.