ABSTRACT
The US Raychem Corporation is a materials science company manufacturing products based on the physical properties of polymers, chemicals and ceramics. These products include pipeline coatings, leak detectors for liquids and overcurrent sensors. The safety products include wire and cable insulation and heat-shrinkable tubing. If the polymer has a relatively low melting point, it could begin to melt and drip when first exposed to the heat of the fire. Critical mechanical and electrical properties had to be retained for the material to function as a high-quality cable jacket. New materials have been and are being developed, which are superior to rubber, polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride in that they have a good balance of mechanical and electrical properties and present a low fire hazard. It is an illustration of the type of information required in a design review system to ensure that a safer product will be developed.
