You’ve heard of PlastEthUrm…but why do we use Polyethylene?
Our PlastEthUrm mouldings draw on both the thermoplastic polyurethane and a material that is, in many ways, what makes SMI…SMI. It’s a material that is incredibly important to our DNA, and one that has proven itself to be incredibly important to our customers – whether military or civil, polyethylene. To us it seems a no-brainer. But for everyone else who may be asking, such as those in the AUKUS agreement, and those looking to deploy renewable energy in their immediate maritime territories: why polyethylene?
Well, polyethylene is a versatile and widely-used material, known for its strength, flexibility, and durability, especially in water. It has found applications across various industries, from packaging to automotive components, and is particularly valued for its use in cabling systems like SMI’s. As such, for SMI polyethylene is a cornerstone material. It has its exceptional dielectric insulating properties that meet the exacting requirements of our cabling systems. But what are those requirements, and how does polyethylene meet them?
Robustness and Durability in New Environments
PlastEthUrm designs utilise polyethylene with a second sealed jacket of polyurethane chosen for its outstanding resistance to wear and tear. In environments where cabling systems are subjected to significant physical stress – such as ships, planes, and tidal energy deployments – polyurethane’s ability to withstand abrasion and impact makes it an ideal choice. Where Polyurethane will absorb water over time, polyethylene continues to be a reliable barrier. Harmonising the two in single separately sealed system means that the strengths of both can be exploited, a truly fit and forget approach.
But it doesn’t stop there. Polyethylene’s durability extends to its performance in extreme temperatures. Whether exposed to intense heat or freezing cold, polyethylene remains stable, ensuring that our cabling systems operate efficiently without service degradation. Thermal resilience is critical in applications where temperature fluctuations are common, as it prevents the material from becoming brittle or losing its mechanical properties. Enduring thermal cycling without compromising performance is a significant advantage that is critical in many arenas.
In addition to its physical durability, polyethylene is highly resistant to chemicals and corrosion. This property is particularly important for cabling systems used in environments where exposure to harsh chemicals, saltwater, or corrosive substances is inevitable. In the hostile environments of a plane’s fuel tank, or a submarine’s ballast tanks, polyethylene’s resilience in these conditions ensures that the cabling systems maintain their functionality and safety.
Suitability for Hostile Conditions
In maritime environments, especially in submarines both civil and military, cabling systems are often exposed to saltwater and high-pressure underwater conditions. It’s here that polyethylene’s corrosion resistance and pressure endurance is an invaluable quality. These properties make it an ideal material for underwater cabling, in the maritime sector, as well as in the green energy industry where long-term reliability is critical for both functionality and value for money. As the UK Defence industry shifts its focus to the Pacific, PE is an essential material for performance in higher salinity and warmer temperature environments that are so different to the Atlantic and North Sea. The use of polyethylene ensures that our cabling systems can withstand these harsh marine environments, providing consistent performance over extended periods – typically decades – which means fewer maintenance activities and optimised platform availability.
Polyethylene’s lightweight nature also makes it particularly suitable for aerospace applications such as in wildfire planes. In addition to reducing the overall weight of cabling systems, which is crucial in aerospace design, polyethylene also offers resistance to radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations encountered the higher in the atmosphere one is. These properties make it an indispensable material for aerospace cabling systems, where performance and safety simply cannot be compromised.
Diverse environmental conditions are also no match for polyethylene’s versatility. Whether in the scorching heat of deserts, the frigid cold of polar regions, or the unpredictable conditions of remote locations, polyethylene ensures that our cabling systems remain reliable and efficient. Its ability to resist environmental stressors makes it the material of choice for applications where the cabling must endure the elements without failure – especially important as more and more countries invest in offshore wind and tidal energy.
It Might Be a Plastic…But It’s Greener Than You Think
The applications to green energy aren’t the only green aspect of this material, however. One of the most significant green benefits of polyethylene is its recyclability. At the end of its lifecycle, polyethylene can be processed and reused. We recognised that this contributes to sustainable practices and a circular economy within our organisation. By recycling polyethylene, we reduce the environmental impact of our cabling systems, aligning with our commitment to sustainability – and ensuring value for money for our customers no matter their industry.
Polyethylene’s long lifespan also contributes to its green credentials. Cabling systems made from polyethylene require fewer replacements, reducing waste and conserving resources. This longevity not only lowers operational costs but also supports our goal of minimising environmental impact through sustainable material choices.
With this in mind, we can confidently say that polyethylene has a lower carbon footprint, further enhancing its appeal as a more eco-friendly option. Its durability and recyclability combine to make polyethylene a key component of our sustainability strategy, helping us to achieve our environmental goals while maintaining the high standards of performance required by our customers.
For SMI, the use of polyethylene is a no-brainer. It’s an exceptional material that offers numerous advantages for our cabling systems. Its robustness, ability to withstand hostile environments, and green benefits make it an ideal choice for our organisation and others. Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing the use and further development of polyethylene, whilst at the same time exploring new developments in materials to further enhance our products and support our sustainability goals and that of our partners.
Call or email to book an appointment:
International Sales Manager, Michel Renard
Email: Michel.Renard@smi.group
Tel: +61 459 159 729