PVC VS PUR Cable Jacket For Waterproof Connector , Which Is Better ?

PVC and PUR cable are the most popular cable types used for industry and automation , such as waterproof connector M12 cable , M8 cable , industrial Ethernet cable and so on. PVC and PUR is the jacket of the cable that protects the conductors inside the cable , they have different performance while used in different environments .

So how we choose the cable jacket , PVC VS PUR ？Which is better ? What’s the difference ? To find out the answer, first let’s figure out the concept of cable jacket , PVC and PUR .

What Is Cable Jacket

A cable jacket is a protective outer layer that wraps and shields the inner conductor of a cable. Its purpose is to protect the inner conductors from damage from physical stress, moisture, chemicals, abrasion and other environmental factors that could degrade or compromise the integrity of the cable.

Cable jackets can be made from a variety of materials including PVC, PUR, rubber, neoprene and other synthetic compounds. The material used for the jacket depends on the type of cable, intended use and installation environment.

For example, cables for outdoor environments may require jackets that are resistant to UV radiation and extreme temperatures, while cables for industrial environments may require jackets that are resistant to chemicals and abrasion.

Cable jackets can also help identify different types of cables. They may be color-coded, printed with markings or labels, or have specific textures or patterns that can be used to differentiate them from other cables.

Cable jackets can also be designed to have specific functions, such as flexibility or rigidity. Cables that will be installed in tight spaces may require a more flexible jacket that can bend and twist, while cables that hang overhead may require a stiffer jacket. to support its own weight.

What Is PVC

PVC, short for polyvinyl chloride, is a synthetic polymer widely used in various industries due to its versatility and durability. It is a thermoplastic material, which means it can be shaped and reshaped when exposed to heat. PVC is produced through a polymerization process in which vinyl chloride monomers are chemically bonded together to form long chains, or polymers.

PVC is a popular material in many industries for its strength, water resistance and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. It is used in the manufacture of pipes, window frames, flooring and roofing materials. PVC is also a common material used in the manufacture of consumer goods such as toys, furniture and medical equipment.

One of the advantages of PVC compared to other materials is its low cost, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications. Additionally, PVC is a lightweight material, making it easy to transport and install.

However, PVC has also been controversial due to its potential impact on the environment and health. The production of PVC releases toxic chemicals into the environment, and PVC products release harmful chemicals such as phthalates and dioxins. These chemicals have been linked to health problems such as cancer, developmental delays and reproductive problems.

To mitigate these risks, there has been a growing trend in recent years to use more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Alternatives to PVC, such as bio-based plastics and recycled materials, are being explored to reduce the environmental impact of making and using PVC products.

Its low cost and durability make it a popular choice for many applications.

What Is PUR

Polyurethane is also called PUR , a polymer material with a wide range of uses, which is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties. It is formed by reacting a diisocyanate compound with a polyol compound to form a thermoset material that can be molded into different shapes and forms.

One of the main advantages of polyurethane is its flexibility and durability. It has excellent abrasion, impact and tear resistance, making it suitable for applications where materials are subject to abrasion, such as automotive parts, footwear, sports equipment and cable jackets. In addition, it has a high load-carrying capacity, making it ideal for use in industrial applications.

Another advantage of polyurethane is that it is resistant to water, oil and chemicals. It is an excellent barrier material that can withstand exposure to a wide range of chemicals without degrading or losing its protective properties. This makes it suitable for use in coatings, adhesives and sealants.

Polyurethane is also a good electrical and thermal insulator. It is used as an insulating material in cables, refrigeration systems and building insulation.

Polyurethane is very malleable and can be molded into a variety of forms, including foams, elastomers, coatings and adhesives. Each type of polyurethane has specific properties and is suitable for different applications.

So, polyurethane is a polymer material with a wide range of uses. Known for its flexibility, durability, water, oil and chemical repellency, insulating properties, and ability to be molded into various forms, it is an excellent cable jacket material.

Difference Between PVC And PUR While Used For Cable Jacket

PVC and PUR are two most common types of materials used for cable jackets , here are some of the main differences between PVC and PUR :

Cost : PVC have lower cost than PUR

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is generally less expensive than PUR (polyurethane) due to differences in the manufacturing process and material properties.

PVC can be produced on a large scale, using efficient industrial processes, which reduces production costs. The manufacturing process of PUR is more complicated and requires more specialized equipment, which makes it more expensive than PVC.

Therefore, low-cost cables usually use PVC jackets, and high-performance cables usually use PUR jackets.

Material properties

PVC is a thermoplastic polymer, which means it can be softened and melted by heat, while PUR is a thermoset polymer, which means it cannot be melted or reshaped after curing. PUR is also more flexible, abrasion and chemical resistant than PVC.

Temperature range

PVC has a lower temperature range compared to PUR. PVC can withstand temperatures up to around 70°C, while PUR can withstand temperatures up to around 90°C.

Flame Retardancy

PUR is more flame retardant than PVC. PVC releases toxic fumes when burned, while PUR is self-extinguishing and does not release toxic fumes.

Performance in harsh environments

PUR has better performance than PVC in harsh environments, such as following:

• Chemical resistance: PUR has better resistance to chemicals, oils and solvents, making it suitable for environments where there is frequent exposure to these substances.
• Temperature resistance: PUR can withstand a wider temperature range than PVC, with some formulations capable of working in temperatures as low as -40°C and as high as 125°C.
• Abrasion Resistance: PUR has excellent abrasion resistance and is ideal for applications where the cable may become abraded by friction with other materials or surfaces.
• Flexibility: PUR has good flexibility and can withstand frequent bending and flexing without cracking or breaking.
• Water resistance: PUR has better water resistance than PVC and is suitable for use in wet or damp environments.

PVC VS PUR , Which Is better ? How TO choose ?

So accord the different above, we can find out:

If we want to save cost, and the cable would not be used in harsh environments, PVC would be the better choice.

If we need excellent performance, and the cable will be used outdoor or harsh environments, PUR would be the better choice.

If you have other questions for the PVC and PUR cable that need our help, welcome to contact us.