Toward the understanding of the thermal degradation of commercially available fire-resistant cable

Recent studies related to the processing of commercially available cables have concerned the effect of the addition to the polymer matrix of zinc borate and alumina trihydrate to achieve good flame-retardant properties. We report the results of a microstructural investigation of such a cable submitted to different heat treatments in order to get information about the structural modifications and the degradation of the electrical properties. We conclude with a short proposal to improve its efficiency.