Thermoset polymers are often used as materials of choice in infrastructure applications due to their superior thermo-mechanical and fluid resistance properties. Industrial polymers such as polyethylene (PE) are commonly used to manufacture these thermoset products through cross-linking. By far the most widely used methods for cross-linking of PE are those based on peroxide-initiated free radicals, moisture cure of ethylene-silane reactor or graft copolymers, or irradiation, each of which are energy intensive and possess unique challenges and limitations. For example, peroxide and moisture cure methods require diffusion of heat and/or moisture through thick articles, which can be time consuming and can limit production rates. A new method for cross-linking PE has been developed that overcomes these limitations while still achieving competitive cross-linking levels. A thermoplastic PE (or post-reactor modified PE) polymer and key cross-linking additives can be melt processed (extruded, molded, etc.) to form an article without significant cross-linking. Upon storage at ambient conditions after fabrication, the article undergoes thorough cross-linking without the need for external moisture, heat, or radiation. This method will be discussed in detail, including a proposed chemical mechanism, results of material science-based assessment of cross-linking and use of the new technology in two energy-related infrastructure applications.

Improving efficiency of making thermoset polymers: A new method for ambient cross-linking of polyethylene without heat, radiation, or moisture

255th National Meeting (2018)

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