Document DGy3ZK8dRXo5wBojnMMv4z6zM

BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL TO: Mr. C.R. Field FROM: F. A. DeMelio DATE: August 5, 1967 TECHNOLOGY MANAGER'S REPORT BUSINESS DEPARTMENT 22 BUSINESS AREA 22223 WIRE AND CABLE MATERIALS HIGHLIGHTS FOLYSULFONE FILM FOR EHV CABLE As a consequence of favorable test results from the 500 KV Polysulfone/oil cable manufactured about two years ago. Anaconda has contacted us concerning the purchase of 5, 000 pounds of embossed Polysulfone film for delivery this year. A. A. D'Onofrio NATURAL VULCANIZABLE POLYETHYLENE The recent truckload of free-flowing HFDA-4208 Nt, to Kaiser, Bristol was an unqualified success. As a result we obtained another 30, 000 lb. order. E. L. Schmidt, J. F. Groel VULCANIZABLE EVA COPOLYMERS Rome (URD insulation) and Belden (ignition wire insulation) were sampled with HXFD-2604 Nt this month. Extrusion and cure speed trials were run off in our presence on Rome's laboratory horizontal C. V. with excellent results. A new high purity base resin specification is being written for this compound. R. L. Brockett, J. F. Groel, A. A. D'Onofrio Research and Development Department Chemicals and Plastics Union Carbide Corporation Bound Brook, New Jersey ucc 042297 Highlights Continued SEMI-CONDUCTIVE POLYETHYLENE A 500 pound sample of DXHD-3240, the new thermoplastic semiconductive compound, was evaluated by Kaiser. Results of their extrusion trial were excellent and indicate that 3240 will solidify our position in the semiconductive shielding market. Long term heat aging and load cycling is in progress by Kaiser. R. L. Brockett FAST CURING RESIN-ALLYL ESTER OF POLYMER H Unusually fast cures and low deformations were obtained with peroxid crosslinked allyl esters of Polymer H. This may be the faster curing base resin for vulcanizable polyethylene that we've been looking for provided (1) it can be extruded without scorch and (2) we can commercially make the allyl ester. E.J. Fisher, E. F. Bonner S RESIN SINGLES An "S" Copolymer (DEX-74Q2, o. 22 MI, . 955 density) was compounded in the # 9FCM (Bay 6) at 7000 lbs. /hr. to give impressive changes in wire extrusion and blow molding characteristics. The high molecular weight tail was chopped off in the process as evidenced by a drop in IV from 2. 5 to 2. 0. Surfaces of wire extruded at high speed were smoother than for DGDA-3363, our insulation compound. Swell, as measured by the weight of 1/2 gal. blow molded bottles was reduced from >100 to 72 g. (H. Samuels) R. J. Turbett FLEXOL R 3 M (MODIFIED) Laurie acid and urea-treated 2-ethylhexanoic acid terminated R3M polymeric plasticizers were compared to the original R3M (untreated 2-ethylhexanoic acid cap) and Santicizer 409 for high speed mill heat stability. The lauric capped plasticizer provided heat stability in a Ba-Cd-Zn stabilized com pound equivalent to S-409. In lead stabilized compounds, the lauric terminated R3M was not as good as S-409 but a satisfactory improvement over the original R3M. A cursory check on the effect of the capping agent interchange on the processing and end-properties of a vinyl compound containing these plasticizers will be performed. E.B. Harris ucc 042298 Polyethylene For Power Cable Bound Brook (F. A. DeMelio, A. A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 HIGH VOLTAGE INSULATIONS 1. Polysulfone Film for EHV Cable As a consequence of favorable test results from the 500 KV Polysulfone/ oil cable manufactured about two years ago. Anaconda has contacted us con cerning the purchase of 5, 000 pounds of embossed Polysulfone film for deliv ry this year. Preliminary electrical test data by Tom Hazen indicate that the recent P-3500 film prepared in Bound Brook has excellent electrical properties for EHV applications. Arrangements will be made to resample General Cable, Bayonne. A. A. D'Onofrio 2. HFDA-4208 Natural The recent truckload of free-flowing HFDA-4208 Nt to Kaiser, Bristol was an unqualified success. As a result we obtained another 30, 000 lb. order. E. L. Schmidt, J, F. Groel 3. Natural Vulcanizable Copolymer Rome (URD insulation), and Belden (ignition wire insulation) were sampled with HXFD-2604 Nt this month. Extrusion and cure speed trials were run off in our presence on Rome's laboratory horizontal C. V. with excellent results. A new high purity base resin specification is being writt n for this compound. It has been determined that HXFD-2604 Nt. even though it is stabilized with polymerized trimethyl-dihydro-quinoline, does not exhibit the "halo" effect noted with homopolymer insulations containing this staining antioxidant. R. L. Brockett, J. F. Groel, A. A. D'Onofrio MEDIUM AND LOW VOLTAGE INSULATION Production of wire samples insulated with HXFD-3226 for the Under writers submittal has begun at Hatfield Wire and Cable. We are still searching for a customer who will fabricate the necessary U. L. samples from HXFD-3227 (the 60 part equivalent). R. L. Brockett ucc 042299 Polyethylene For Power Cable Bound Brook (F. A. DeMelio, A. A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 TRACK RESISTANT INSULATIONS Recommendations were made to Olin Conductors to assist them in writing up specifications to cover HFDA-4215 Grey vulcanizable polyethyl n copolymer for aerial cable insulation. J. F. Groel SEMI CONDUCTIVE POLYETHYLENE A 500 pound sample of DXHD-3240 was shipped to Kaiser, Bristol during this period. Kaiser has already completed their insulation shield evaluation on production equipment and reported that DXHD-3240: a- gave high outputs at low temperatures, b. drew down well with no breaks c. gave a tight fit, d. did not exhibit objectionable adhesion, e. demonstrated excellent resistivity after fabrication, and f. demonstrated a slightly pimply surface. Kaiser plans a few weeks of heat aging and electrical studies before final approval. R. L. Brockett AUTOMOTIVE INSULATIONS 1. Vulcanizable The July production run of HFDA-4730 Nt for the most part yielded saleable product which gave excellent extruded surfaces and did not exhibit the speckled burnt appearance in press cured plaques. One section of this run did give a poorly dispersed product; however, this was quickly traced to a wet blender seat-out problem. We have not yet been able to precisely pin down the cause of the QYNV agglomeration problem which ruined almost the entire June production run. R. L. Brockett, P. Hassialis Recent information from Essex Wire and Cable points out that Ford Motor Company has issued a specification regarding crosslinked polyethylene for primary wire. Samples of vulcanized polyethylene, vinyl and hypalon for comparison abrasion testing have finally been received from Essex, It has been agreed that meetings with Chrysler and Essex regarding HFDA-4730 Nt. would be beneficial. R. L. Brockett ucc 042300 Polyethylene For Power Cable Bound Brook (F. A. DeMelio, A. A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 3. A new Product Data bulletin describing the utility, properties and fabrication requirements of HFDA-4730 Nt is in press. J. Peterson, R. L. Brockett 2. Thermoplastic. a. Additional work has been done on the EVA silica system to produce an insulation for under the hood auto harness wiring. We continue to look at the addition of chlorosulfonated polyethylene, EVA chewing gum stock and trace amounts of peroxide to obtain the desired physical and extrusion prope rties along with the high temperature deformation resistance demanded by Packard's short circuit test. Variability in both extrudability and porosity continue to be the major problems. b. Our initial studies with ethylene acrylic acid copolymers and reactive fillers have been somewhat discouraging. Work continues. E. L. Schmidt NEW VULCANIZABLE COPOLYMERS The preliminary evaluation of a 5. 0 melt index, ethylene bicyclo heptane copolymer as the base resin for an unfilled vulcanizable insulation was quite encouraging. As a result we have requested larger quantities of devolatilized C2/BCH copolymer for formulation and extrusion studies. R. L. Brockett FAST CURING BASE RESIN FOR CROSSLINKING - ALLYL ESTERS Work is continuing on the evaluation of allyl esters of polymer H as fast curing base resins. Esters of DXM-235 (14% AA 50 MI) and DXM- 242 (3% AA, 3 MI) are in the process of being evaluated. In each case, the cure is faster. The ester made with DXM-235 cures very rapidly. At the normal peroxide level and one half the cure cycle the following information has been obtained: Resin; DXM-235 allyl ester DXM-242 allyl ester HFD-4208 control % Deformation 12 36 44 E. J. Fisher, E. F. Bonner ijnn 042301 Polyethylene PDr Power Cable Bound Brook (F. A. DeMelio, A. A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 4. BICYCLOHEFTYL ACRYLATES We have evaluated copolymers of ethylene and bicycloheptyl acrylate (DEX-1061-1063) and 2-ethylene hexyl acrylate (DEX-1070) and have found that these materials cure slower than our standard material HFDA-4208. As a result, no further work on these copolymers will be attempted. E. J. Fisher, So. Charleston Personnel EXPERIMENTAL PEROXIDE Various materials were investigated as cure accelerator for Y. L. Fan's experimental peroxide fat ot -dimethylbenzylperoxy) silane. None of these materials appeared to improve the cure beyond a level of 80% deformation at cure temperatures as high as 190C. Y. L. Fan reports that triallylcyanurate in high density formulations greatly improves the degree of cure. Perhaps this material will.be the basis of a new high density crosslinkable material. E.J. Fisher VULCANIZABLE (GENERAL) New Peroxides The evaluation of new peroxides for vulcanizable polyethylene systems continues. The most recent data on the new peroxides from Hercules & Noury and Vander Lande indicate they have very little adverse effect on dissipation factor and dielectric constants. An extrapolation of the cure rate versus tem perature curves indicate that the new compounds are more scorch resistant than the dicumyl peroxide controls and could probably be processed or extruded 30C higher in temperature. We plan to evaluate the Hercules product in a battery cable application for Packard Electric once they decide what type of filled compound they need for the job. E. L. Schmidt Trips 7/12 7 /18 7/26 7/20 Philadelphia Electric Kaiser Aluminum Rome Cable Hatfield Wire & Cable A. D'Onofrio A. D'Onofrio R. Brockett A. D'Onofrio R. Brockett Spacer Cable Power Cable Insulations URD Cable Underwriters Submittal Polyethylene For Power Cable Bound Brook (FA. DeMelio, A. A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 Visitors And Training Date Visitor 7/5 7/14 7/17 7/19 7/20 7/177/19 SHOWA Cable (Japanese) NKF (Holland) Siemens Elec. (German) DKAG ( Austrian) Sales Trainees Sales Trainees Host A. D'Onofrio A. D'Onofrio A. D'Onofrio A. D'Onofrio A. D'Onofrio E. Schmidt Subject Power Cable Power Cable Power Cable Power Cable Power Cable Wire &. Cable General ucc 042303 Polyethylene For Communications Cable Bound Brook, (F. A. DeMelio, A. A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 6. TELEPHONE CABLE Low Pressure Products Jackets 1. Carbon Black Dispersions - Work to date has shown that commercially acceptable dispersions of raw carbon black in high density polyethylene are obtained in both Farrel Continuous Mixers and in a Banbury Mixer using a dry preblend of black with "S" copolymer fluff. A scale-up run in a #9 FCM (Bay 5) is planned for later this year. Except for a trial in the #4 FCM with fluid bed fluff (all other trials have been with loop reactor resin), the experimental phase of this project is being terminated. We learned in a recent High Density Operations Team Meeting that fluff handling facilities will not be installed at Bound Brook, and compounding equipment for making jacket compounds from black/fluff will not be available in Seadrift until early 1970; so, as it stands now, the new process will not be implemented for several years. 2. Ocean Cable Jacket - A trial quantity of DGDJ-3469Bk was sent to CdL in France for evaluation as ocean cable jacketing. In the first 6 mile length an "excellent tight fit" was obtained of jacket to the return conductor and electricals were good. At this time it appears that this "S'* copolymer has a good chance of replacing DGDA-3110 which is a 0. 2 melt index SF resin, difficult and costly to produce. R. J. Turbett 3. Void Problem - DGDJ-3466 - Our investigation of high density polyethylene concerned itself with the elimination of voids from DGDJ-3466. Vacuum heating failed to improve elongation values. It is thus felt that a low MW polyethylene fraction, rather than a solvent such as pentane, is responsiblle for void formation. Plaques molded from natural fluff also exhibited erratic elongations. This indicates that low MW fractions are generated in the reactor rather than during subsequent processing operations. W.J. Launder ucc 042304 Polyethylene For Communications Cable Bound Brook (F. A. DeMelio, A. A, D'Onofrio) July, 1967 7. 4. DGDJ-3466 Bk 9845 - General Cable - General Cable has not approved DGDJ-3466 Bk 9845 as their heat aging tests at 100C in dicated the product is lacking in thermal heat stability. The problem is currently under investigation at Bound Brook. It probably relates to the erratic nature of elongation values obtained on compression molded specimens rather than to thermal stabilit y. J. F. Groel, R. Turbett 5. DGDA-3466 Nat - Western Electric. Baltimore Tests at Bound Brook failed to confirm the Western Electric, Baltimore complaint that two blends of DGDA-3466 Nat failed the 14 day, 100C boiling water str bs crack resistance requirement of specification 59062, Issue I. Due to the vacation shutdown at W, E., Baltimore, no additional customer data is avail able on the more recent shipments of 3466 Nat. However, both Bound Brook and Seadrift data indicates compliance with this requirement. A round robin will be suggested if the Western data continues to indicate that a probl m exists. J.F. Groel, Seadrift Insulation S Resin Singles - An "S" Copolymer (DEX-7402, 0, 22 MI, . 955 density) was compounded in the #9 FCM (Bay 6) at 7000 lbs. /hr. to give impressive changes in wire extrusion and blow molding characteristics. The high molecular weight tail waB chopped off in the process as evidenced by a drop in IV from 2. 5 to 2. 0. Surfaces of wire extruded at high speed were smoother than for DGDA-3363, our insulation compound. Swell, as measured by the weight of 1/2 gal. blow molded bottles, was reduced from > 100 to 72 g. (H. Samuels). There is some question as to where double processing fits into the high density picture for the next few years. It is planned to stay with an SF/PF blend for wire insulation (-3363) until an FCM is available at Seadrift early in 1969, at tehich time conversion to an "S" product will be made. However, if PF reactor capacity and FCM compounding capacity at Bound Brook are avail able (i. e., if equipment would otherwise be idle);then double processing of "S" copolymer to produce -4300 type blow molding resins could be advantageous. The added cost of double processing would be balanced by reduced plant costs for resin and elimination of royalties to Phillips. This would be an interim process only; it is predicted that FCM com pounding of "S" fluff at Seadrift will give the desired balance of properties f r both wire insulation and blow molding. R. J. Turbett/Mfg. Personnel ucc 042305 Polyethylene For Communications Cable Bound Brook (F. A. DeMelio, A. A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 8. High Pressure Polyethylene J ackets 1. Carbon BlaHt rHangraian - In order to reduce th manufacturing cost of some of our less critical black compounds, we are evaluating methods of adding raw carbon black, thereby eliminating the cost of the masterbatch (about . 75$/lb. with DFD-4165). Although we had reasonable success in the laboratory by premixing the black with powder d DYDT wax, the same technique was not successful in a production Banbury. The problem seems to be related to a small percentage of poorly dispersed black in the mix as well as contamination from raw black which will invaria bly accumulate in a production situation. Our next step will be to evaluat the Farrel Continuous Mixer which is, we believe more appropriate for raw black addition. N. M. Burns 2, Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Jacket - EVA-508 (irradiated ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer) has been screened as a com munications cable jacket product for the Naval Ship Systems Command. It is a very flexible material of 4200 psi torsional modulus. The tensile properties are good and equivalent to existing jacket products. Low tem perature brittleness was very good; superior to existing jacketing products in the screening test. EVA-508 is a soft product. Thus, it is readily subj ct to wear and looses mechanical strength above 50C. Our results will be passed on to the Navy. N. M. Burns 3. DFDC-0506 Bk 9845 - Torrance Production - Quality of DFDC-0506 Bk 9845 produced in Torrance continues to be good. Produc tivity of the DXH-28 base resin is now at the 1900 to 2000 lb/hr. level which compares favorably with the rates obtained at Whiting when they em ployed 1" reactors. We continue to run many of the quality control tests for Torrance. However, they now have all the necessary equipment and we should be able to phase out in the near future. Arrangements are being made to ship a hopper car of DFDC -0506 Bk 9845 to Western Electric, Hawthorne in order to obtain Western approval for the Torrance Plant. J.F. Groel, Torrance ucc 042306 Polyethylene For Communications Cable Bound Brook (F. A. DeMelio, A. A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 9. General Carbon Black Dispersion in PE - Invention letter 67-67 was written covering a method for adding raw carbon pigment to polyethylene resin in powder form and obtaining quality pigment dispersion. Potential savings of one to two cents per pound of product hve been predicted if this process can be scaled up and adapted by manufacturing. E. L. Schmidt. CELLULAR L DFD-4960 - Bound Brook Production - Expanded density data run by Ottawa quality control on the Bound Brook Production of DFD-4960 confirmed our results of good quality product and also indicates good uniformity. The compound containing 1. 1% blowing agent is presently under evaluation at Times Wire and Cable. A report covering the recent Production run in Bay 3 has been issued. E. J, Fisher, H. J. Pazinski 2, DFDB-6660 - Anaconda - A favorable extrusion evaluation of DFDB-6660 on a . 500" core cable has been reported by Anaconda Wire and Cable. Expanded densities in the range of . 34 were obtained. Complete results of the evaluation and potential economics are being studied by the customer. H. J. Pazinski 3. DFDB-6660 - General Cable - General Cable has ordered 5, 000 pounds of the DFDB-6660 for an extensive evaluation at their Tampa plant. H. J. Pazinski 4. Plate-Out - We have been able to detect slight plat out on the tip and die of our 2-1/2" Royle extruder with our new cellular compound DFDB-6660 Natural. The plate-out is due to residue products of the azodicarbonamide (Kempore R-125) and identified from the literature as Urazol, biurea, cyanuric acid and cyamelide. It is objectional since it may result in a rough extruded surface and in some cases die erosion. This results in downtime to the customer. A program to determine if we can minimize or eliminate plate-out with this new cellular compound is under way. H.J. Pazinski VCc U*23Q7 Polyethylene For Communications Cable Bound Brook (F. A. DeMelio, A. A. D'Onofrio July, 1967 10. Visitors Date Visitor 6/30 General Cable 7/17 to 7/19 7/20 7/21 7/21 Sales Trainees tt tt If 7/24 to 7/28 ft Host(s) J. Groel H. Pazinski B. Maddock E. L. Schmidt N. M. Burns H. J. Pazinski R. J. Turbett Subject Cellular Polyethylene -discussion of fluted screw Introduction to Wire & Cable J acketing C ompounds Cellular High Density PE J.F. Groel General Wire & Cable & Extrusion Training UCC 0^308 Silicone Rubber For Wire And Cable Tonawanda (D. B. Braun, P.K. Huester, T. C. Williams) July, 1967 11- W 1C. Compounds for MIL-C 8777 and 3702 First plant scale compounding trials of insulation for 8777 wire show formulation adjustments in modifying fluid and stabilizer levels are needed to compensate for effects of large scale intensive mixing. Formulation adjust ments are being investigated. Electrically Conductive Silicone Rubbers Study of factors affecting reproducibility of K-1516 and Y-3087 con ductive rubbers shows polymer lites content to be important. Variations in alkaline polymerization and peroxide curing catalysts were not significant in effect. UCET conductive black is equivalent to Shawinigan brand in performance. Critical Performance Properties Aping at Subcritical Temperatures: A film forms on the exposed surfaces of silicone rubbers aging at subcritical temperatures. When aged rubber is stretched, cracks initiate in the film and penetrate the mass to cause premature shear failure. The film appears to be generated by degradation of the rubber polymer by the atmosphere; fillers and other elastomer components are secondary in effect. The film has now been isolated as a soft, elastic, weak membrane much like lightly cross-linked pure gum; analysis of the isolated film is in progress. Improved techniques now detect film formation in as little as 5 days aging; longer exposures are needed for film thickness to build sufficiently for isolation. Resilience: First plant scale mixing trials with K-1235 modified with tin for increased resilience were not successful. Both processing and perfor mance properties of the product mixes differed considerably from those ex pected. Raw materials and mixing process variables are being investigated. Examination of the effects of postcure intensity on elastomer hysteresis shows that postcure of any degree is harmful and will tend to decrease resilient response. For maximum resilience, elastomers of the single-cure type should be sought. Belden Manufacturing Co, In recent trials, Belden extruded Y -3087 conductive silicone rubber on 17, 000 feet of glass cord. Insulation and jacket compounds were extruded on the conductive core to form ignition wires of three quality levels. There w r no processing problems at any point in the runs. Resistivity of postcured wire stabilized at 4, 000 ohms/foot, well within F. C. C. requirements. If satisfac tory dielectric strengths are obtained, Belden will review for action at their next product meeting. ucc 042309 Plasticizers and Dry Blend Resin For Wire & Cable Tarrytown (W. H. Bauer) July, 1967 12. Chlorinated Polyethylene Exploratory work is being conducted to determine the utility of CPE as a plasticizer for vinyl for use in high temperature wire insulation. CPE's history has been as an impact modifier for rigid vinyl products. Use as a highly permanent plasticizer for vinyls has been known but is just beginning to b actively promoted by Dow. E.B. Harris', Flexol 63 (1) Approval and orders for this plasticizer at Carol Wire Company have been received. The plasticizer was believed to be a determent to th battery cable stripping operation, but, this was found not to be so. (2) Oil aging data on FLEXOL 63 is being measured to determine its capabilities for use in oil resistant 60 insulation. E.B. Harris THW Wire - 10-10/EPO Blends A brief study is underway to learn more about possible water sensitivity of 10-10/EPO blends for use in THW wire. It was the intent to use Taft EPO (W) but because of plant start-up uncertainties. Institute EPO (W) is being used. A cursory check on Taft production will be performed when that facility is on-stream. E.B. Harris FLEXOL R3M (Modified) Laurie acid and urea-treated 2-ethylhexanoic acid terminated R3M polymeric plasticizers were compared to the original R3M (untreated 2-ethyl hexanoic acid cap) and Santicizer 409 for high speed mill heat stability. The lauric capped plasticizer provided heat stability in a Ba-Cd-Zn stabilized com pound equivalent to S-409. In lead stabilized compounds, the lauric terminated R3M was not as good as S-409 but a satisfactory improvement over the original R3M. A cursory check on the effect of the capping agent interchange on the processing and end-properties of a vinyl compound containing these plasticizers will be performed. E.B. Harris Plasticizers and Dry Blend Resin For Wire & Cable Tarrytown (W. H. Bauer) July, 1967 13. n-Phthalates The third phase of the evaluation of n-alkyl phthalates (Cg-C^) has been delayed due to equipment difficulties. This phase covers mixed alcohol phthalates directed toward determining the variability in end-use properties of the plasticizer as a function of the n-alkanol feed stream. E.B. Harris Poly - -Caprolactone A high molecular weight solid polymer of -caprolactone is being evaluated as a plasticizer for PVC. This polymer is a relatively efficient plasticizer with good initial low temperature impact resistance, and of course, good permanence. It suffers from limited compatibility and possibly heat and light instability. In general, this material shows promise and work designed to explore its potential in vinyl applications will continue. E.B. Harris PVC Compounds For Wire And Cable Bound Brook (F. A. DeMelio) July, 1967 14. Porosity, QFD-9252 We have regained our sales of QFD-9252 Bk 9975 at Phelps Dodge on the basis of successful evaluation of 10, 000 lbs. pilot plant production shipped in polyethylene lined gaylords. Previous porosity problems were related to moisture pick-up in shipments made with unlined gaylords. H. J. Pazinski QFY-9219 - Prestolite Eltra reported that QFY-9219 (their own formulation) extrudes slower than a competitive compound they purchase from Firestone (Exon-5500). A sample of the competitive compound is being evaluated. We will then recommend a formulation to regain this business at Eltra (50, 000 lbs. /month). H. J. Pazinski Adhesives The use of Dr. S.W. Chow's ionic interpolymer as ai adhesion pro moter of vinyl compound to copper wire has been demonstrated. The inter polymer was continuously applied in-line to preheated copper wire before the wire entered the crosshead of the extruder. Subsequent coating with PVC compound yields a construction in which the PVC was adhered to the copper wire. The level of adhesion was outstanding (as evidenced by the high stripping force needed to remove the insulation from the wire. Work is currently under way to determine the effect of this polymer alloy when it is directly added to the compound. E.J. Fisher Visitors Date Visitor Host Subject 7/5 7/19 Society of Polymer Science (Japanese) Wire & Cable Trainees H. J. Pazinski PVC Extrusion H. J. Pazinski PVC Compounds ucc 042312 Polysulfone For Wire And Cable Bound Brook (A, A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 15. Cellular Polysulfone Our initial attempt to produce a cellular polysulfone "was unsuccessful. Several gas producing chemicals and unstable polymers were used, but all were unsuitable because of non-uniform cell formation and poor surface appearance. We will make our next trial using nucleating agents in an attempt to gain cell uniformity. J. J. Helbling Modified Polysulfone We are awaiting samples of the PSF-silicone block copolymer to be used as an additive in polysulfone wire insulation. This block copolymer, which has shown much promise as an impact modifier for molded items, will be given a complete evaluation as a wire coating additive. J.J. Helbling Reinforcing materials will be added to polysulfone in an attempt to improve stress crazing resistance. The following studies are planned: 1. Blending natural polysulfone with commercial glass filled poly sulfone (LNP) to note the effect of glass concentration 2. Noting the effects of glass fiber L./D ratio and sizing composition 3. Introducing fillers other than glass such as asbestos. R. R. Porcelli Electrical TestB of Polysulfone Films At 60 Cycles/Sec. Dissipation factor tests at 60 cycles/sec. have been performed on a series of polysulfone film samples. The first six films in the series were nominally 0. 005" thick, while the last film sample was nominally 0. 003" in thickness. The electrical tests were made at room temperature and at 100C, with a few at 60C. There was very little difference in dissipation factor between the room temperature and 100C values. Both mercury and silver paint (DuPont #4817) electrodes were used, the latter being preferred, and no significant differences between the two types of electrodes were observed. ucc 042313 Polysulfone For Wire And Cable Bound Brook (A. A. D'Onofrio) July, 1967 16. Exposure of some of the specimens to 90-98% relative humidity for 48 hours appeared to have little effect on the 60-cycle dissipation factors. The same conclusion -was reached with regard to the effect of vacuum drying both at 190C (for 20 minutes) and at 125"C (for 65 hours). No dissipation factors greater than about 0. 001 were observed through the temperature range from room temperature to 100C. There was a relatively large incidence of "shorts" in the case of the 0. 003" film we tested with painted silver electrodes, viz., about two out of five. These were either due to small pin-holes (or air bubbles) or to dirt inclusions. No shorted specimens were encountered in the case of the 0. 005" films (8597-31-1 through 6). T. Hazen Visitors Date Visitor Host Subject 7/25 7/18 Western Electric Sales trainees J. J. Helbling J.J. Helbling Polysulfone Extrusion Telephone Singles db ucc 042314 Distribution - July, 1967 Monthly Technical Report Wire And Cable Materials SOUTH CHARLESTON Dr. F. E. Bailey Mr. J. W. Biddle Dr. F. B. Brown Mr. C. H. Coppala Mr. J. M. Davison Mr. A. C. Gibson Dr. R. I. Hoaglin Dr. F. Johnston Mr. R. G. Kelso Mr. R. D. Lundberg Mr. C. H. Madge Dr. G. G. Madgwick Dr. R. W. Manning Mr. J. S. Nicholas Mr, J. J. Smith JMr. R. N. Wheeler Dr. T.P. Wilson TARRYTOWN Mr. W.H. Bauer Mr. T.H. Welch SISTERSV1LLE Mr. D. L. Bailey Mr. O.K. Clark SEA DRIFT Mr. H. W. Kacy Mr. D. L. Wiley TEXAS CITY Mr. D. E. Richardson F. A. DeMelio (10) A. A. D'Onofrio (6) NEW YORK Mr. J. M. Austin (4) Mr. G. P. Bigelow Mr. A. A. Boehm Mr. J. H. Field Mr. C. R. Field Mr. J. T. Ferguson Mr. G. L. Funk Mr. W. H. Joyce Mr. C. G. Knowles Mr. J. W. Luchsinger Mr. J. W. McLaughlin Mr. P. T. McDevitt Mr. W. C. Nissen Dr. L. Shechter Mr. M. M. Suba BOUND BROOK Mr. W. T. Higgins Dr. P. E. Pratt Mr. E. B. Sharp Assistant Directors R & D (15) TONAWANDA Mr. D. B. Braun Mr. M. L. Dunham Mr. P. K. Huester Mr. T. C. Williams POINT -AUX -TREMBLES Mr. G. L. Bata Mr. J. F. Boire ucc 042315