If you are looking to distinguish the characteristics of an industrial cable, be it an everyday instrumentation cable or a marine electrical wire in Singapore, start by checking whether its jacket material uses thermoplastic or thermoset materials. This approach remains the best way to quickly get a grasp of what a cable can do given that these two feature significantly different properties that affect a cable’s performance in various applications. Fully comprehending their unique attributes can be invaluable in all sorts of ways, ranging from choosing the more economical product to preventing a potential meltdown in the facility.
A Brief Look Into Thermoplastic Vs Thermoset Materials
To quickly grasp the difference between these two materials, we shall rely on the power of analogies. For starters, thermoplastic is analogous to a chocolate bar in that it can be moulded into any new shape when it is melted and cooled. This ability to be fashioned into various forms again and again is the key feature of thermoplastics, and it is made possible by the unique structure of its individual molecules. Each of these molecules is further comprised of many other smaller molecules that, when exposed to heat and subjected to its added energy, become separated, ultimately allowing the material to move like a liquid.
In contrast, thermoset is most similar to a cake in that once it is done baking, its shape remains final and will not increase or decrease even if it is kept longer in the oven. That said, with enough heat, thermoset can still burn but never will it melt like a thermoplastic or chocolate bar would. This characteristic makes thermosets a preferred material for creating durable items such as car tyres that need to stay rigid even under high heat.
Technically speaking, thermoset is any material that is made up of basic polymer structures like polyethylene and then vulcanised or cured. The curing process is the key step that transforms the plastic polymers into a thermoset or rubber material. Each of the plastic’s long polymer chains becomes cross-linked with other smaller molecules, and it is because of this process that thermosets are often called cross-linked materials. So, whenever you see ‘XL’ in abbreviations like ‘XLPE’, such as on marine electrical wires, it means that it uses polyethylene material that has been cross-linked and is not extra large as you might initially think.
How To Choose Between The Two For Your Applications
As we have discussed, what truly sets the thermoplastic and thermoset apart is their reaction or lack thereof when exposed to elevated temperatures. This is a vital aspect to consider, depending on the nature of the use case. For instance, applications where overloads may occur are better off using thermoset materials to mitigate the likelihood of failure if the overloaded conductor momentarily operates at a higher temperature.
Meanwhile, thermoplastic’s excellent stripability makes them desirable for processing on automated equipment for large-volume applications. All in all, the key considerations when choosing between these two materials are namely:
- High-temperature mechanical performance translates to survivability at high temperatures during normal usage or emergencies.
- Elongation (typically during processing, flexing, and installation) is the measure of stretch before the material breaks apart.
- The coefficient of friction affects wire processing, pulling tension, and tactile feel.
- Tensile strength relates to the material’s stripability and overall durability.
- Heat deformation is the degree to which the material turns soft upon nearing its melting point.
- Colourability is generally for identification purposes.
- Cold temperature compatibility impacts the material’s handling, storage, usage, and installation in cold environments.
In short, thermoplastics are valued for their flexibility, ease of recycling, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for environments where wires and cables may need to be replaced or recycled. On the other hand, thermoset materials offer superior resistance to heat, chemicals, and wear, making them the better choice for more demanding, high-performance environments such as offshore installations.
Conclusion
Both thermoplastic and thermoset materials play critical roles in the wire and cable industry, each offering distinct advantages depending on the application. Understanding the differences between these materials allows for more informed decisions when selecting the appropriate wire and cable for specific uses, ultimately contributing to the efficiency and safety of electrical systems.
Whether you need thermoplastic or thermoset cables, Cable Source is a reputable cable supplier in Singapore that has all your needs covered. Check out our extensive catalogue of high-performance industrial cabling today and explore a wide range of cables suited for every use case and project.
