LDPE Compound for Cable Insulation – Overview
LDPE Compound for Cable Insulation – Overview
What is LDPE?
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its flexibility, chemical resistance, low moisture permeability, and good electrical insulating properties.
When compounded with additives and stabilizers, LDPE becomes highly suitable for cable insulation, especially for low-voltage electrical and communication cables.
How LDPE Compound is Made
Ingredients Used
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Base Resin: LDPE (polyethylene with a density range of 0.91–0.94 g/cm³)
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Additives:
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Antioxidants
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UV Stabilizers
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Color Masterbatches (optional)
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Fire Retardants (optional)
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Crosslinking Agents (for XLPE)
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Manufacturing Process
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Material Selection: LDPE pellets and additives are selected based on target performance.
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Dry Blending: Ingredients are dry-mixed in a precise ratio.
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Melted in a twin-screw extruder
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Ingredients are homogenized under controlled temperature
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Filtration & Pelletizing:
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Melt is filtered to remove impurities
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Cooled and cut into uniform compound pellets
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Quality Control:
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Testing for dielectric strength, elongation, tensile strength, etc.
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Manufacturing is often ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified.
Where It's Used
LDPE cable compounds are used for insulating and sheathing various types of wires and cables:
🔌 Applications
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House wiring cables
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Instrumentation & control cables
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Signal cables
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Low-voltage power cables (up to 1.1 kV)
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Coaxial & communication cables
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Fiber optic cable sheathing
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Telecommunication cables
Uses & Description
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Thermoplastic Insulation Compound |
| Appearance | Off-white or color compounded pellets |
| Softening Point | 95°C – 115°C |
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹⁴ ohm-cm |
| Tensile Strength | 10–15 MPa |
| Elongation | >200% |
| Dielectric Strength | 25–40 kV/mm |
LDPE compounds provide smooth extrusion, excellent adhesion, and low dielectric loss, ideal for high-speed cable production.
Importance & Benefits
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Electrical Insulation: Excellent dielectric properties for safe energy transmission
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Flexibility: Ideal for tight bends and small-radius applications
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Thermal Resistance: Withstands temperatures up to 85–90°C
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Moisture Barrier: Good water resistance for underground/duct cables
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Chemical Inertness: Resistant to acids, bases, and salts
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Recyclable: Thermoplastic, can be reprocessed
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Ease of Processing: Compatible with high-speed extrusion
LDPE Compound Manufacturers in Gujarat, India
Gujarat is a major hub for polymer and cable compound manufacturing due to its petrochemical infrastructure.
Notable Manufacturers:
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Rajiv Plastic Industries – Ahmedabad
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PolyComp International – Vadodara
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Siddhi Vinayak Industries – Vapi
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Sanco Cables – Surat
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Vinayak Polymer – Daman (near Gujarat)
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Tirupati Plastomatics – Bhavnagar
These firms manufacture RoHS-compliant, REACH-certified, and often IS 7098 compliant LDPE compounds for domestic and export markets.
Top 10 FAQs
Q1. Is LDPE suitable for high-voltage cables?
No. LDPE is primarily used for low-voltage insulation; crosslinked PE (XLPE) is used for medium to high voltage.
Q2. Is LDPE compound halogen-free?
Standard LDPE is halogen-free, but check additive package. HFFR (Halogen-Free Flame Retardant) variants are available.
Q3. What’s the difference between LDPE and XLPE?
LDPE is thermoplastic, XLPE is crosslinked and thermoset — XLPE resists higher temperatures and voltage.
Q4. Is LDPE compound UV resistant?
UV stabilizers can be added if cables are used outdoors.
Q5. Is LDPE suitable for direct burial?
Yes, with moisture-blocking additives and jackets.
Q6. Can the compound be colored?
Yes, masterbatch can be added for red, blue, black, etc.
Q7. What's the shelf life of LDPE compounds?
Typically 12–18 months if stored in cool, dry conditions.
Q8. How is it packed?
In 25 kg PE bags or 500–1000 kg jumbo bags with liners.
Q9. Does it comply with IS standards?
Yes, typically IS 5831 and IS 7098 (Part 1) for power cables.
Q10. Can it be exported?
Yes, Gujarat manufacturers often export to Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Significance of LDPE Cable Compounds in Modern Infrastructure
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Integral to power transmission, telecom, and automation industries
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Aligned with India’s Make in India and Smart Grid missions
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Used in underground cabling projects across urban development
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