No abstract

This article looks at the process of silanol crosslinking of high-pressure polyethylene using the PENTA®-1002 modifier. Demonstrates that silanol-crosslinked PE films with a gel fraction content of over 50% may be used at high temperatures, as when this is done, a sparse but continuous network of chemical intermolecular bonds is formed in the polyethylene.

A report is given on the effect of tin-containing catalysts on silanol-crosslinked polyethylene. Products manufactured from crosslinked polyethylene are used for the production of pressure pipes (including gas and hot water pipes), pipeline couplings, lined pipes, cable insulation and sheathing, shrinkage pipe connections, and other products. Here, silanol crosslinking is an effective means of increasing the heat resistance and chemical resistance of polyethylene and stabilising its properties [1-3].