An
interesting new option for wiring used in consumer and other electronics
applications is a plasticizer based on natural ingredients.
Traditional polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) plasticizers use phthalate chemicals that are said to mimic
human hormones and adversely affect various life forms. Plasticizers provide
flexibility, an important requirement for wiring.
Dow recently
introduced
Ecolibrium
Bio-Based Plasticizers, which are phthalate-free and made from nearly 100
percent renewable feedstocks. The bio-component is modified vegetable oil.
The
plasticizers "are being qualified by a number of Dow customers at this time," a
spokesman told
Design News. They cost
a premium above traditional plasticizers, but the spokesman declined to provide
details.
Dow says bio-based
plasticizers exhibit the same performance and feel as incumbent PVC
plasticizers while meeting all regulatory requirements for flame resistance.
Dow Wire
& Cable will license select cable makers to commercialize the bio-based plasticizers
with technical support from the company.
"Dow
Ecolibrium Bio-Based Plasticizers are truly a breakthrough for the wire and
cable industry but their introduction here is just the tip of the iceberg-in
time they will also open up differentiation opportunities for OEMs in other industries
that use PVC compounds," says Jonathan Penrice, global marketing director for
Dow Wire & Cable.
Other target
markets are building and construction and automotive.
Dow hopes
sales of the bio plasticizer will get a boost from the U.S. Green Building
Council's
LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating Systems, which put an
emphasis on green products.
The new
plasticizer is currently being produced at Dow sites in North America but will
be produced in other geographies based on demand. Dow capacity data is
confidential.
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