POLYMERS

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.