K-Flex Elastomers Powering Next-Gen Wire and Cable Applications

In an exclusive interview with Wire & Cable India, Mr. Karan K Chandan, Executive Director of KK Kompounding Tech Giant Limited, shares how the company’s compounding expertise is fueling innovation in the wire and cable industry. From advanced PVC and HFFR compounds to thin-wall extrusions, silane-grafted XLPO, and the versatile K-Flex elastomer series, KK Kompounding is delivering solutions aligned with global CPR standards and India’s BIS compliance framework.

Wire & Cable India: How does compounding expertise drive your product innovation and offerings in the wire and cable segment?

Karan K Chandan: Competence in compounding has been central to expanding our product basket and driving innovation across segments. In the wire and cable vertical, we offer a diverse range of compounds in PVC, TPE, TPV, and related systems. With evolving demand and regulations, we have also developed low-smoke, low-acid FR PVC grades. In the halogen-free category, our K-Guard range complies with BIS and other relevant standards, offering short circuit-resistant HFFR compounds well-suited for new-age smart city projects such as building wires, lighting, and both armoured and unarmoured cables.

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WCI: What kind of product developments and processing capabilities have you introduced to match customer requirements?

KKC: We have designed PVC and HFFR grades optimized for high-speed processing, tailored to customer equipment. Our compounds are also engineered for thin-wall extrusions in PVC, HFFR, and E-beam applications. Additionally, our R&D team has developed silane-grafted XLPO compounds, which are currently undergoing customer testing and approvals before commercial rollout.

WCI: How do your compounds meet global fire safety regulations such as CPR?

KKC: Our compounds are designed with CPR compliance in mind, one of the most stringent global standards. We have achieved smoke density in category s1 (BS EN 61034-2), ensuring high visibility during fire incidents. The compounds also prevent dripping, are self-extinguishing, release low heat, and form a stable char layer under fire. Furthermore, our halogen-free grades can be adapted from fire-resistant to ceramifiable properties, while retaining mechanical integrity without cracking even under extreme fire conditions.

WCI: Which compliance frameworks guide your product portfolio for domestic and global markets?

KKC: For global customers, we align our compounds with CPR regulations, while for domestic markets, we ensure compliance with BIS standards.

WCI: Can you tell us more about your K-Flex elastomer series and its applications?

KKC: The K-Flex elastomer series is a showcase of engineering through polymer blends and alloys. These grades deliver unique properties for elastomeric cable applications such as robotics, mobility, elevators, marine, welding, and EV charging cables.

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WCI: How do you collaborate with customers during product development and validation?

KKC: We work closely with customers from the first lab-scale trial samples to full-scale commercial runs. Our role is to provide end-to-end support until validation is complete at the customer’s end. Typically, feedback focuses on achieving the right balance between mechanical strength, flame retardancy, and electrical properties, and we collaborate with clients to fine-tune formulations accordingly.