In complex environments such as humidity, high temperature, and poor ventilation, cable sheath materials are extremely susceptible to mold erosion, resulting in performance degradation or even failure. Antifungal Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Antifungal Thermoplastic Polyurethane), as a new type of cable sheath material, has been widely used in key scenarios such as rail transit, food factories, ships, power plants, and underground communications due to its excellent mold resistance, flexibility, chemical corrosion resistance, and environmental compliance.
This article will explain the significant advantages of TPU cable sheath materials in practical applications from multiple dimensions.
1. What is Antifungal Thermoplastic Polyurethane?
Antifungal TPU is prepared by adding additives with antibacterial or antifungal functions (such as silver ions, zinc compounds, or organic antibacterial agents) to a polyether or polyester thermoplastic polyurethane matrix. These components can inhibit the attachment and reproduction of mold spores and effectively reduce the erosion of fungi on the sheath surface.
This material has been tested and verified by ASTM G21 or ISO 846, and can maintain surface cleanliness in high humidity environments to prevent the insulation layer of the cable from deteriorating due to microbial erosion.
2. Core Performance Advantages of Anti-Mold TPU Cable Sheath
(1)Excellent Anti-Mold Ability, Suitable For Cable Needs in Humid Environments
Anti-mold TPU materials can still maintain stable physical form and surface cleanliness in humid, closed and stuffy environments, and are widely used in cable materials for humid environments such as underground tunnels, power plants, and sewage treatment.
(2)Strong Flexibility And Tear Resistance, Suitable For Frequent Bending Applications
Compared with rubber materials, TPU sheaths are not easy to age or crack, and are particularly suitable for dynamic systems such as drag chain cables and robot cables to improve wiring efficiency and equipment stability.
(3)Oil-Resistant and Chemical-Resistant, Suitable for Industrial Heavy-Duty Environments
This material has good tolerance to a variety of chemical liquids, greases and cleaning agents, and has significant advantages in harsh working conditions such as ports and chemical plants.
(4)Environmentally Friendly and Halogen-Free, Compliant With RoHS And REACH Standards
TPU naturally does not contain halogen, lead, cadmium and other heavy metals, and fully meets the standards for environmentally friendly cable sheath materials. It does not release corrosive gases after burning and is the preferred material for export to the EU and North American markets.
3.TPU vs PVC for Cable Jackets - Performance and Economic Comparison
| Performance indicators | PVC jacket | Rubber sheath | Anti-fungal TPU sheath |
| Anti-fungus ability | Weak | Good | Strong (conforms to ASTM G21) |
| Flexibility (low temperature environment) | Poor | Good | Strong |
| Abrasion and impact resistance | Good | Good | Strong |
| Chemical and oil resistance | Poor | Good | Strong |
| Service life | 3–5 years | 5–8 years | 5-10 years and above |
| Is it environmentally friendly/RoHS/REACH compliant | Partially compliant | \ | Fully compliant |
In the performance comparison of TPU vs PVC for cable jackets, TPU performs better in most key indicators, especially in terms of mold protection and environmental tolerance, and has a higher return on investment in the long run.
4. Typical Application Areas: TPU Cable Jacket Material Landing Scene
(1)Underground Communication System Cable
Year-round humidity and lack of ventilation are frequent places for mold. The use of anti-mold TPU jacketed cables can significantly reduce the maintenance frequency and improve system reliability.
(2)Food And Pharmaceutical Industry
TPU jackets can be washed with high temperature water, resist detergent corrosion, meet HACCP requirements, and are suitable for dust-free workshops and GMP factory environments.
(3)Cables in Ports, Shipbuilding and Maritime Engineering
Seawater, high humidity, strong ultraviolet rays and other factors have strict requirements on cables. TPU's high protection level is very suitable for deployment in maritime control systems.
(4)Medical Equipment Cable Jacket
TPU has antibacterial and clean properties, and is safer and more durable to use in high-clean areas such as wards and operating rooms.
5. Standard Testing and Certification Path for Anti-Mold TPU Cable Sheath
Angreen anti-mold thermoplastic polyurethane cable sheath material has the following testing and certification. When choosing this material, you also need to focus on these items:
ASTM G21: Mold growth classification test (confirming anti-mold performance)
ISO 846: Material degradation assessment under microbial action
UL 1581: Sheath aging and electrical insulation performance verification
EN 50306 / ISO 6722: Applicable standards for rail transit and vehicle cables
RoHS 3.0 / REACH 224 items: Environmental protection substance compliance review
