SSA Water Splash With Title Exploring Opportunities Together

 Introduction to SAP  SAP Application Forms  Cable Applications  Benefits  SSA: Your Supply Partner Overview Stewart Superabsorbents 1

 Introduction to SAP  SAP Application Forms  Cable Applications  Benefits  SSA: Your Supply Partner 2

Typically crosslinked acrylates, superabsorbent polymers (SAP) absorb and retain at least 200x their own weight Definition Introduction 3

Water diffuses into the SAP particle by:  Capillary action  Osmotic pressure Absorption Introduction 4

The dry SAP changes into a flexible but resistant hydrogel by absorbing water Swollen SAP Swelling and Blocking Introduction Dry SAP 5

Absorption Phase Incoming water is absorbed and retained so its free flow is hindered. A fast and high absorption is beneficial at this step. Blocking Phase Swollen SAP has to be impermeable to stop the water- transport from gel-particle to gel-particle. Gel-strength and gel-stability are more important than capacity or speed. Dry SAP Impermeable stable hydrogel Steps of Sealing Introduction 6

 The permeability of SAP determines how water is transported in a layer of swollen SAP  The water transport happens through microscopic channels between the hydrogel particles The permeability is mainly influenced by:  Shape (form and surface) of SAP particles  Gel strength (rheology/viscosity) of SAP Permeability Introduction 7

Hydrated gel strength is very important:  A high and fast absorbing SAP does not provide good sealing properties for the expected life of the cable.  Swollen SAP creating an impermeable hydrogel, with excellent gel- stability is required for good water-blocking properties Hydrated Gel Strength Introduction 8

 Introduction to SAP  SAP Application Forms  Cable Applications  Benefits  SSA: Your Supply Partner 9

Powder SAP Incorporated onto various components via direct application methods:  fluidized bed  electrostatic deposition  vibratory deposition Liquid/HMA SAP Incorporated onto various components via:  spray coating/printing  dip coating Application Forms Product Processing 10

Powder/Liquid/HMA SAP Waterblocking functionality can be added via:  non-woven laminates  yarns and binders  filling or flooding compounds  hot-melts  other cable components Application Forms Product Processing 11

 Introduction to SAP  SAP Application Forms  Cable Applications  Benefits  SSA: Your Supply Partner 12

Utilized in a variety of cable types:  Power cables  Fiber-optic cables  Coaxial cables  Copper Telephone cables Especially suited for outdoor applications  Underwater cables  Underground cables  Indoor/outdoor - FR Cable Applications Cable Types and Locations 13

Braided shield blocking Required application technology is common in the industry Shield Blocking Cable Applications 14

Strand blocking Strand Blocking Cable Applications 15

Water blocking functionality is incorporated in cable tapes that focus on diverse demands  Separation between conductor / conductor shield / insulation  Cushioning between insulation / metal screen  Core binding  Heat barrier  Prevention of filling compound dripping out from the core Cable Tape Function Cable Applications 16

Tape wrapping unit Polymers in Swellable Tapes Cable Applications 17

 Introduction to SAP  SAP Application Forms  Cable Applications  Benefits  SSA: Your Supply Partner 18

Streamlined Cable Manufacturing Process  Faster line speeds / cleaner process  Usage volume is a fraction of what it replaces (i.e. filling / flooding compounds) Improved Cable Installation  Smaller diameter  Lighter weight  Easier cable pulls both aerial and underground / conduit Significant Reduction in Cable Prep / Splice Time  Lowers cost of initial installation  Reduces emergency cable outage / restoration time Cablers / Installers/ End Users Benefits 19

Improves Cable Life Cycle  Effective sealing of defects localizing water damage  Replacement of gel eliminates damage due to oxidation  Insoluble x-linked polymers insure long term stability Environmentally-friendly / neutral  SAP is non-toxic and can be placed in land-fills  SAP is used in agricultural applications for soil amendment Benefits Cablers / Installers/ End Users 20

 Introduction to SAP  SAP Application Forms  Cable Applications  Benefits  SSA: Your Supply Partner 21

Our Focus Specialize in water blocking technology for the wire and cable industry  various material forms (i.e. powder, aqueous liquids, hot melt adhesives Offer a variety of water blocking options to meet demanding requirements  high thermal stability of standard gels  good absorption / blocking performance in ionic solutions SSA: Your Supply Partner 22

Manufacturing In-house, 15 years of expertise Customized for application requirements  particle size distribution  additive packages such as flow agents, colorants, etc.  packaging (2 kg bags, 25 kg or 1000 kg bags / supersacks) SSA: Your Supply Partner 23

Technical  expertise and experience in cable design  focus on finding solutions to cable design issues Competitive pricing globally Excellent customer service SSA: Your Supply Partner 24

Kip Clyburn Operations and Technical Support P: +1 (828) F: +1 ( Richard Ellis Sales P: +1 (678) M: +1 (678) Stewart Superabsorbents, LLC 1954 Main Avenue SE, Hickory, NC P: +1 (828) F: +1 (828) Stewart Superabsorbents is a member of The Stewart Group of companies 25

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