PLASTIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICE LTD
Tel: +44 (0) 1722 781 088 Email: info@ptsuk.com

 

CONTACT PTS  +44 (0) 1722 781 088 info@ptsuk.com

IRRADIATION CROSS-LINKING

For the electrical and appliance markets, PTS polymer scientists in Germany have developed a range of polymers that are cross-linkable by irradiation. 

Advantages of Irradiation Cross-Linking

• Dimensional Stability – Irradiation cross-linked materials retain their dimensional stability when heated over their former melting point (under low mechanical load)
• Strength – Irradiation cross-linking normally creates higher strength as well as reduced creep under load if the application temperature is above the glass transition temperature and below the former melting point
• Chemical Resistance - Irradiation cross-linking leads to huge improvement in the resistance to most chemicals
•  Wear Properties - Irradiation cross-linking often leads to improvement in the wear behaviour

Irradiation cross-linking of thermoplastic materials via electron beam or Cobalt 60 (gamma rays) takes place separately after processing. The level of cross-linking can be tailored with the irradiation dosage and with the help of PTS-Betalink cross-linking booster. 

For example, at temperatures above the normal melting point of 260 C, V-PTS-Creamid cross-linked PA66 modified with PTS-Betalink performs closer to a thermoset than to a thermoplastic to such an extent that the use of flame retardant additives to comply with UL glow-wire tests is no longer necessary.

Advantages for end users include zero defects caused by melted contact bridges, cost reduction when used in place of thermosets, and longer service life due to improved mechanical and wear properties.