The Various Applications of Crosslinking

Crosslinking can be used for several purposes.

For thermoplastic components (such as tubes or cables) or technical parts, it enhances thermal and chemical resistance under extreme conditions: abrasion, fire, high temperature, and more.

It also improves the mechanical properties of thermoplastic films, hardens cold-setting resins, or enables grafting adhesion promoters onto textiles to reinforce the characteristics of polymer matrix composites.

Crosslinking is particularly useful for strengthening the insulation of cables and wires, as well as the tubes in heating and hot water supply systems. It is also employed to treat composite materials in the automotive and aerospace sectors, as well as molded parts for various industries, from construction to medical.

How Does Crosslinking Work?

Plastic optimization is achieved through the energy of beta or gamma rays. This energy triggers chemical reactions within the material, forming a crosslinked network comparable to that of rubber, resulting in increased resistance.

Crosslinking takes place after the molding process and is always performed on the finished part, at room temperature and normal pressure. This process gives thermoplastic materials the properties of thermosetting materials during temperature peaks. This characteristic allows for cost savings: manufacturers can achieve high-performance plastics using less expensive raw materials.

It is also possible to adjust the degree of crosslinking depending on the product’s areas for a tailored result. A moderate degree of crosslinking can be applied to plastic granules to modify their properties.

The radiation doses required for crosslinking are 2 to 4 times higher than those for sterilization. This is why beta treatment, which has a higher dose rate than gamma treatment, optimizes the processing time for crosslinking treatments.

Which Plastics Are Suitable for This Technique?

Crosslinking by radiation is compatible with many polymer materials: polyamides, polyesters, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene (under certain conditions), and other co-polymers…

For certain less reactive materials, the manufacturer can use a chemical additive before crosslinking is applied to the plastic material, for example, before molding.