Capsicin – Protecting wires and cables against rodents

As manufacturers move towards more sustainable sources for producing products, we have seen some new issues develop which new alternative solutions to solve. One notable example of this is soy-based insulation which has been used in the development of a large range of cars in recent years.

As reported in caranddriver.com: Until roughly a decade ago, most car companies used wiring insulation that was petroleum based. The introduction of soy-based wire insulation was meant to have a twofold benefit: It was less expensive for automakers and, because it used soy instead of oil, it was better for the environment. But some unhappy car owners now counter that the greener wiring is now luring the environment, particularly the animal kingdom, under the hoods of their vehicles.

Rodent nesting in cars is not a new problem in the automotive world, said Honda spokesman Chris Martin. “It is a long-established fact that rodents are drawn to chew on electrical wiring in homes, cars, or anywhere else where they may choose to nest,” Martin explained. “Honda is not aware of studies or information indicating that any of the wiring insulation or other components used for Honda vehicles are derived from substances that attract rodents or increase their propensity to chew on wiring or other components in engine compartments.”

To counter this drivers and manufacturers have turned to the spicy flavour of red pepper oil, more specifically the capsaicin which is present within red pepper oil. Capsaicin is a chili pepper extract with analgesic properties. Capsaicin is a neuropeptide releasing agent selective for primary sensory peripheral neurons. Capsaicin can be used in skin and personal care applications for heating.

The inclusion of MircoLock CP in moulded plastics, rubber for automotive, aerospace and industrial applications protects assets from damage from rodent’s.

Microencapsulation of Capsaicin allows manufactures to mould the active ingredient into parts directly, such as wire covers, part covers, anti-rodent tape.