Ethylene-propylene elastomers for wire and cable applications

A new type of polymer, composed of ethylene and propylene monomeric units, has recently entered the industrial rubber field. Due to the saturated nature of the polymer chain, this new rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, exhibits good electrical properties and excellent resistance to heat, weathering, corona and ozone. These properties, plus its flexibility and low cost (26–30¢/lb), have made it particularly attractive to the wire and cable industry.