Category

Parameter

Unit

Standard / Test Method

Typical Range / Value for Cable Grade

Notes

1. Base Material & Composition

Polymer Type

–

–

Suspension PVC (S-PVC)

K-value typically 65-70 for balance of properties.

Plasticizer Type & Content

phr (per hundred resin)

–

30 - 60 phr

DINP, DIDP, DOTP, TOTM, etc. Higher content for increased flexibility.

Stabilizer System

–

–

Lead-free (Ca/Zn, Organotin, etc.)

For heat stability during processing and long-term service.

Fillers

phr

–

5 - 20 phr (e.g., CaCO₃)

For cost optimization and certain mechanical properties.

Additives

–

–

Lubricants, Antioxidants, Flame Retardants, Pigments

As required by specification.

2. Electrical Properties

Volume Resistivity

Ω·m

IEC 60093 / ASTM D257

> 1.0 x 10¹²

Minimum requirement for insulation.

Dielectric Strength

kV/mm

IEC 60243-1 / ASTM D149

20 - 30

Depends on thickness and grade.

Dielectric Constant (εᵣ) @ 50 Hz

–

IEC 60250 / ASTM D150

4.0 - 6.0

Varies with plasticizer type/content.

Dissipation Factor (tan δ) @ 50 Hz

–

IEC 60250 / ASTM D150

0.05 - 0.12

Varies with formulation.

3. Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength

MPa

ISO 527 / ASTM D638

15 - 25

For flexible compounds.

Elongation at Break

%

ISO 527 / ASTM D638

200 - 300

For flexible compounds.

Shore Hardness (A / D Scale)

–

ISO 868 / ASTM D2240

75 - 90 (Shore A)

Common for flexible sheathing/insulation.

Tear Strength

N/mm

ISO 34-1 / ASTM D624

20 - 40

Resistance to propagation of a cut.

4. Thermal Properties

Heat Deformation

%

IEC 60811-507

≤ 50

Test at specified temp & load (e.g., 80°C).

Thermal Stability

min

ISO 182 / ASTM D2115

> 60

Time to discoloration at a set temperature.

Brittleness Temperature

°C

ISO 974 / ASTM D746

≤ -15 to -25

For cold climate applications.

Continuous Operating Temp

°C

–

70°C / 90°C

Standard/Higher performance grades.

5. Processing & Physical Properties

Melt Flow Rate (MFR)

g/10 min

ISO 1133 (Condition G)

5 - 15 (at 190°C, 21.6 kg)

Indicator of processability in extrusion.

Density

g/cm³

ISO 1183 / ASTM D792

1.30 - 1.45

Depends on formulation (fillers, plasticizer).

Extrusion Output Rate

kg/hr

–

Varies

Plant-specific; depends on screw design.

Appearance

–

Visual

Smooth, glossy surface; free from gels/contaminants

Critical for quality.

6. Aging & Chemical Resistance

Aging in Air (Tensile Strength Change)

%

IEC 60811-501

± 20% max after 7-10 days @ 100°C

Retention after accelerated aging.

Aging in Air (Elongation Change)

%

IEC 60811-501

± 20% max after 7-10 days @ 100°C

Retention after accelerated aging.

Oil Resistance (Mass Change)

%

IEC 60811-502

≤ 15-20% (in IRM 902 oil @ 70°C)

For sheathing in oily environments.

7. Safety & Compliance

Flame Retardancy

–

IEC 60332-1

Pass

Vertical flame test.

Oxygen Index (LOI)

%

ASTM D2863

≥ 28 - 32

For flame-retardant grades.

Halogen Content

%

EN 14582

Present

Inherent to PVC.

Acid Gas Emission (pH, Conductivity)

–

EN 50267-2-1

pH ≥ 4.3, Conductivity ≤ 10 μS/mm

For smoke corrosivity.

RoHS/REACH Compliance

–

EC Directive

Compliant

Free from restricted substances (Pb, Cd, etc.).