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Negative temperature coefficient compounds – new technology sensor materials
Our negative temperature coefficient PVC extrusion compounds include a low temperature material that could be used to produce thinner and lower cost electric cables, able to sense ‘hot spots’ and shut down electrical systems to provide protection to people and equipment.
NTC compounds experience a rapid decrease in electrical resistance at temperatures of between 80 -100°C and this characteristic can be used to detect localised overheating in cable networks. Usually this is achieved through connection to an electronic measuring device that monitors the electrical resistance between two concentric wires in a co-axial cable insulated by the NTC compound. When the resistance drops to a predetermined level, the device either switches the equipment off or triggers an alarm in the cable network.
Melting at approximately 120°C the special low melt compound has the potential to reduce cable size and impact significantly on manufacturing and installations costs.
In a traditional cable, a substantial PE insulating layer keeps the wires apart and if serious overheating occurs the PE melts, the wires touch and trip the circuit breaker or fuse. The low melt NTC PVC compound can be monitored electronically, it offers superior physical and insulation properties and yet melts at around the same temperature as PE - the PE layer can be eliminated to produce a thinner and more flexible cable.
Our NTC materials are available in colours to customers’ requirements.
Applications for these compounds are in electrical and electronic consumer goods, the aircraft, automobile and power supply industries, and any situation where monitoring the heat in cables can contribute to performance and safety.
Call us on +44 (0) 1422 832501 to discuss your specific requirements or email us: sales@dugdalepvc.com
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