Common chemical crosslinking agents such as peroxides and silanes pose safety concerns and require elevated temperatures to cure. These types of chemical processes can also yield noxious fumes and/or sensitizing by-products and require regulated disposal. Chemical crosslinking processes are affected by a large number of variables and imperfect process control can result in significant product loss.
Conversely, the crosslinking facilitated by e-beam processing does not require using additives nor does it generate hazardous chemical by-products. Crosslinking transforms a linear polymer into a three-dimensional molecule, resulting a significant increase in molecular mass, lower solubility in organic solvents and improved mechanical properties.
E-beam crosslinking is energy efficient. Since exposure time of the material to the beam is minimal (seconds), high throughputs are typical. E-beam technology is precisely controlled and the degree of crosslinking is directly related to the level of e-beam exposure. E-beam crosslinking is suitable for polymers which are difficult to crosslink chemically. Also, environmentally friendly alternatives such as e-beam crosslinked polyethylene can be created to replace less desirable plastics such as PVC.
How E-beam works on crosslinking
Use radiation-based modalities to achieve feature improvements
- Strength
- Elongation
- Memory
- Weight
- Water resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Temperature resistance
- Environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR)
Examples of commercial products that use e-beam crosslinking
- Wire and cable
- Jacketing
- Heat-shrinking products
- Gaskets, seals & other molded parts
- Piping and tubing
- Polyethylene foam sheet
- Hydrogels
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