Everwide newsletter No.468

Experiment § Medium- and Low-Voltage Cold-Shrink Silicone Cable Insulation Components

We have developed FX301-14, an electrical-grade liquid silicone rubber (LSR) for insulation applications. This product is a two-component, dark gray, paste-like, tear-resistant LSR, specifically designed for injection molding (Fig 1,2). It offers excellent resistance to yellowing, outstanding elastic recovery, superior thermal aging resistance, and ease of processing. In power system applications, FX301-14 is suitable for low- to medium-voltage insulation, including cable terminations and cold-shrink cable accessories, providing stable and reliable electrical insulation protection. In the automotive industry, it delivers effective protection for sensors, connectors, and engine compartment thermal insulation components, ensuring reliable performance of parts under high-temperature and harsh operating conditions. Additionally, FX301-14 applies to electronic products, where it meets the insulation requirements of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and sensitive electronic components, supporting long-term operational stability of devices. The experimental data for this product are summarized as follows: At 25 °C, the density is 1.15 g/cm³; the viscosity of Component A is 1.0 × 10⁶ cps, and Component B is 9.4–12 × 10⁵ cps. The hardness ranges from 36A to 41A, with a tensile strength of 9.5 N/mm², elongation at break up to 750%, and tear strength of 39 N/mm. FX301-14 also demonstrates excellent electrical performance, with a dielectric constant of 2.9, dielectric strength of 24 kV/mm (Figure 3), an exceptionally low dissipation factor of 0.0011 (Figure 4), and a volume resistivity of 3.1 × 10¹⁵ Ω·cm. These outstanding properties enable FX301-14 to meet the stringent requirements of the power, automotive, and electronics industries, making it a highly reliable insulating material. For further information, please feel free to contact us.                                                — Author: Dr. Kai-Cha

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Activity § Two Vietnam Trade Exhibitions at Year-End

In November, we participated in the Vietnam Industrial & Manufacturing Fair (VIMF) and the ATE Vietnam Adhesive Tapes Exhibition. During the exhibitions, our professional team introduced visitors to the key features and practical applications of our products. Following the events, our colleagues took the valuable opportunity to visit local customers’ manufacturing facilities. Through on-site visits, we gained deeper insights into customers’ production processes and equipment conditions, and provided application recommendations tailored to the characteristics of our adhesive materials, further strengthening technical exchange and collaboration. We look forward to Everwide’s products serving as an invisible bridge, connecting industries around the world through proven performance and reliability.

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Knowledge § Why Blocked PU and Epoxy Resin Reactions Tend to Develop Color?

Blocked polyurethane (PU) is produced by reacting a PU prepolymer with a blocking agent to cap the isocyanate groups. Upon heating, the blocking agent is released, regenerating free isocyanate groups that can undergo further reactions. When blended with epoxy resin, blocked PU typically employs aromatic isocyanates and phenolic blocking agents, which can react at room temperature with the aliphatic amine curing agents of the epoxy, becoming part of the resulting crosslinked network. The released phenolic compounds have characteristic odors and can induce color changes, which may progress over time from yellowing to browning.

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Living § Our Family Time

Amid the busyness of daily life, sharing breakfast with my family or taking a short walk together is the most meaningful way I can accompany my children in their upbringing. Every morning, our dining table is filled with little surprises—sometimes the enticing aroma of Japanese ramen, other times a steaming plate of Chinese fried rice. These breakfasts are more than just food; they are symbols of love and care. Watching my children enjoy meals prepared by their parents, these seemingly ordinary moments become some of the deepest connections between parent and child. It is no wonder that people say, “Food is the most direct bridge connecting people’s hearts.” On weekends, I enjoy cycling with my children. Along the way, we pause to admire the scenery or sit by the roadside for a chat. These shared experiences not only cultivate healthy habits but also help them appreciate nature and the simple joys of life. In the evenings, our whole family gathers to watch “Who’s Coming to Dinner” on public television. The stories presented are often moving and provoke reflection, fostering empathy and understanding among us. I believe that the essence of parent-child relationships does not lie in what you do, but in doing it together. Whether sharing a meal, riding bicycles, or watching a program, these are the most authentic, profound, and beautiful moments of happiness in family life.                                               — Author: Mr. Ming-Hong Xiao