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What are billed as the first primary plasticizers for PVC wire and cable with nearly 100% renewable content and a brand-new bio-based nylon were introduced last month. Dow Wire & Cable, Houston, launched its Ecolibrium non-phthalate

plasticizers for PVC wire insulation and jacketing. They reportedly can help cable-makers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40% vs. conventional plasticizers. They appear to have good plasticizing efficiency, since 51 phr of Ecolibrium yields the same Shore hardness as 60 phr DIDP. LOI is slightly higher, too. Applications include wiring for personal electronics and appliances, residential and commercial buildings, communications and data cabling, and automotive. At first, the material will be available for licensing to select cable processors. Dow declined to identify

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the plasticizers’ composition or their renewable feedstocks.

    Meanwhile, DSM Engineering Plastics, Evansville, Ind., has unveiled EcoPaXX, the fi rst nylon 410, based about 70% on castor oil. Compared with nylon 6 and 66, it’s said to have much lower moisture absorption, better dimensional stability, better stiffness/strength retention after moisture conditioning, slightly lower density, and better chemical resistance against oils, greases, and road salts. Versus nylon 610—also based on castor oil—EcoPaXX boasts a much higher melting point (250 C/482 F) and higher stiffness and strength. It also has higher toughness, lower density, and easier processing than PPAs. EcoPaXX is in final approvals by automotive customers.

(989) 636-0034 • dowwireandcable.com

(800) 333-4237 • dsm.com