

Ethanox™ 330 for Power Cable Applications
Power cables account for three-quarters of the global wires and cables market. The fast-growing industry demands quality solutions and high-performance antioxidants to provide superior endurance and weathering resistance. Renewable energy and infrastructure improvements require long-term solutions to avoid blackouts caused by degrading cables.
ETHANOX™ 330 is a high–molecular weight, hindered phenolic antioxidant stabilizer specifically engineered for exceptional protection and long-term stability in optic cable insulation and jacketing. ETHANOX™ 330 has superior resistance to hydrolysis for use in tough applications and harsh temperature conditions, such as power cables and wires.

ETHANOX™ 330 is the Best Antioxidant for Wires and Cables
Thermal stability of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) in presence of Copper, oven-aged at 105°C |
Thermal Stability of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in presence of Copper powder at 200°C |
Antioxidant | %wt. | Hours to Failure |
ETHANOX ™ 330 |
0.025 |
1368 |
Product A |
0.025 |
1320 |
ETHANOX ™ 330 |
0.1 |
4728 |
Product A |
0.1 |
4176 |
Samples of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing TiO2, oxalic acid bis (benzylidene hydrazide) and a copper deactivator were placed on copper foil and then oven-aged.
The formulation above contained 1% wt. TiO2 pigment and equal amounts of antioxidants and the copper deactivator.
Antioxidant | Hours to Fail at 200°C |
None | 3 |
ETHANOX™ 330 | 41 |
Product A | 35 |
Samples of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containing the copper deactivator were placed on copper foil for an accelerated test by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC).
The formulation above contained 0.1% wt. of a copper deactivator, 0.5% wt. antioxidant, and 1% wt. TiO2 pigment.
Wire and Cable Industry
- Water Treeing: ETHANOX™ 330 is the ideal antioxidant for medium voltage XLPE and cross-linked EPDM to inhibit the effect of water treeing typically caused by moisture exposure and electrical stress.
-
Thermal Stability for Appliances: ETHANOX™ 330 is an excellent antioxidant for 125°C/150°C rating wires and cables commonly used in appliances. Due to its high-temperature stability, ETHANOX™ 330 is designed to pass the required test of 150°C/3000 hours for appliance applications.


Powder Cables
Medium Voltage XLPE/EPDM
Moisture and stress resistance to overcome water-treeing


Appliances
125°C/150°C Rating Wires
Meets the 150°C/3000 hr test for appliance wires


Automotive
Low-voltage cables and wires
Withstands 125°C and higher service temperature

About Wire and Cable processing and applications:
Wire and cable insulation and jacketing products are manufactured by extruding polyethylene compounds through a crosshead. The molten compound is then transferred onto the bare conductor for insulation or onto the insulated wires for jacketing.
Cable types by voltage
Low Voltage (2 kV and lower)Resins: PVC, PE, PP, and EPDM
|
Medium Voltage (2 –35 kV)Resins: XLPE and EPDM
|
High Voltage (35 – 300kV)Resins: XLPE, FEP, and PTFE
|
Summary
XLPE and cross-linked EPDM power cable products require antioxidants to protect against degradation due to high-temperature exposure. ETHANOX™ 330 high–molecular weight, hindered phenolic antioxidants offer low volatility, outstanding hydrolysis resistance, and long-term performance for cable extruders. Talk to an expert today if you would like to learn more or request a sample.
