Elementis, a UK based global specialty chemicals company renowned for its innovative additives that enhance the performance and sustainability of consumer and industrial applications. In the wire and cable industry, Elementis offers CHARGUARD™, a flagship line of PFAS-free, nanostructured organoclays that serve as fire-retardant synergists. These additives improve flame resistance, reduce smoke, prevent dripping during combustion, and potentially replace materials like PTFE and antimony trioxide, which are under regulatory scrutiny due to environmental and health concerns. By enhancing safety, durability, and processability, CHARGUARD™ products align with the industry’s growing demand for safer and more sustainable materials.
Elementis at A Glance
Elementis is a global specialty chemicals company offering performance-driven additives that help create innovative formulations for consumer and industrial applications in industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives & sealants, personal care and plastics. Today, Elementis operates globally with manufacturing sites and R&D centres in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
The company owns the only high-grade hectorite mine in the world and is focused on creating solutions for customers that deliver product performance improvements, efficiency gains and enhanced sustainability credentials.
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Elementis Portfolio For Wire & Cable Industry
Over the past decade, the consumer product and industrial plastic industries have significantly evolved, driven by consumer demand for enhanced sustainability, safety, and performance. This shift, fuelled by the rapid adoption of e-commerce, cloud computing, e-mobility, and electrification, has increased the need for better fire retardancy and thermal resistance in plastics. Performance processing additives, such as fire-retardant synergists, have been crucial in achieving these advancements.
Elementis’ offerings to the wire and cable industry revolve around high-performance fire retardant synergists that enhance safety, durability, and processability.
CHARGUARD™, the company’s flagship fire-retardant synergist product line is based on PFAS free, nanostructured organoclays that work in tandem with halogenated and non-halogenated flame retardants to improve flame resistance, reduce smoke, prevent dripping during combustion and potentially replace the need for materials such as PTFE & antimony trioxide that are under regulatory scrutiny as potentially harmful to humans and the environment.
Derived from natural clay minerals and engineered for superior performance, CHARGUARD™ organoclays leverage Elementis’ deep expertise in mining, and environmentally responsible modification techniques. Manufacturers can choose products based on their application needs for colour, fire safety, and processability.
CHARGUARD™ products significantly improve the behaviour of plastic components when exposed to fire, ensuring compliance with stringent international health and safety regulations. The additives support UL 94 V-0 ratings and meet European fire safety standards, such as those required in construction cables under CPR.
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Additionally, delaminated hectorite and bentonite improve polymer compatibility by helping to disperse the filler more evenly throughout the polymer matrix. This process aids in breaking down filler stacks, leading to a mitigation of hotspots and better integration of the clay into the polymer – thus forming intercalated polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites, which can enhance mechanical properties and thermal stability.
CHARGUARD™ organoclays are the ideal choice for manufacturers striving to create safer, higher-performing, and more durable products that align with today’s environmental priorities.
