AXELERON™ GP BK NF Telecom and Power Cable Compounds represent a transformative advancement in cable jackets, eliminating intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from high-volume polyethylene-based cable compounds while preserving the performance required for modern infrastructure. Electrical power and telecommunication networks form the backbone of global connectivity, yet many of the materials used in these systems rely on PFAS chemistries known for their environmental persistence and increasing regulatory scrutiny. These new compounds offer a scalable solution that addresses this challenge without sacrificing reliability, product performance, manufacturability, or economic value.

At the core of this innovation is a fundamental rethinking of polymer processing technology. Conventional fluoropolymer processing aids function by forming a durable, low-friction layer at the metal interface during extrusion, supporting smooth flow and preventing defects such as melt fracture and issues related to die build-up. Die build-up is the undesirable accumulation of residues on the die surface during extrusion, which can lead to surface defects in the extruded product and often requires interruption of the manufacturing process for cleaning, reducing productivity and increasing operating costs. AXELERON™ GP BK NF Telecom Cable Compounds were reformulated to use PFAS-alternative processing aids. They use PFAS-alternative based chemistry that achieves equivalent performance and reduced die lip build up through alternative mechanisms such as transient lubrication. This change in mechanism required extensive formulation design to balance additive compatibility, antioxidant stability and long-term performance. 

The novelty of this work lies in translating this new processing aid mechanism into a robust, commercially viable platform across a diverse jacket product portfolio, including LLDPE, MDPE, and HDPE based jacketing compounds. A distinct attribute and breakthrough was the discovery that one type of PFAS-alternative additive could function effectively across a broad range of jacketing products, helping enable a simplified, scalable platform approach rather than a different solution for every grade. AXELERON™ GP BK NF Telecom Cable Compounds integrate resin design, additive optimization, and process engineering to deliver PFAS-alternative formulations that perform as true “drop-in” replacements.

Equally critical is scalability. AXELERON™ GP BK NF Cable Compounds are manufactured using existing compounding and extrusion infrastructure, supporting rapid adoption without new capital investment. Commercial-scale trials have demonstrated successful implementation with minimal process adjustments, allowing manufacturers to transition seamlessly while maintaining throughput and product quality. This has supported large-scale conversion of product to PFAS-alternative solutions, supporting uninterrupted supply to critical power and telecommunications markets. 

The impact of AXELERON™ GP BK NF Telecom and Power Cable Compounds is both immediate and far-reaching. This technology is already being deployed in telecom and power cable jacketing materials that form the backbone of global connectivity and electrification. By eliminating PFAS from high-volume infrastructure materials, the product line reduces the potential for long-term environmental persistence and aligns with evolving global regulatory frameworks. At the same time, it preserves the high-performance characteristics required for durable, reliable cable systems while maintaining the economic value of differentiated product lines. This balance of sustainability, performance, and cost competitiveness helps ensure that adoption can occur at scale, amplifying the overall benefit.