peroxidecrosslinked

Peroxide crosslinking is a process used to create a three-dimensional network structure within polymers, enhancing their physical and chemical properties. This method involves the use of organic peroxides as initiators. When heated, peroxides decompose to form free radicals. These radicals then abstract hydrogen atoms from the polymer chains, creating active sites. Adjacent polymer chains can then react with these active sites, forming strong covalent bonds between them, which is the crosslink.

This process is particularly useful for polymers like polyethylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, and silicone rubber. The resulting crosslinked materials exhibit improved thermal stability, increased tensile strength, enhanced resistance to solvents and chemicals, and better elasticity. Peroxide crosslinking is often preferred over other methods like sulfur vulcanization for certain applications due to its ability to form stable crosslinks that are less susceptible to degradation.

The effectiveness of peroxide crosslinking depends on several factors, including the type and concentration of peroxide, the processing temperature and time, and the specific polymer being crosslinked. Careful control of these parameters is crucial to achieve the desired degree of crosslinking and optimal material performance. Applications for peroxide crosslinked polymers are diverse, ranging from automotive parts and wire insulation to medical devices and industrial hoses.