Experimental Evaluation of Properties of Cross-Linked Polyethylene

Abstract

This article describes several aspects of the production of cross-linked polyethylene. Advantages and disadvantages of chemical, or electron beam irradiation, cross-linking processes are discussed. The material under test is thermoshrinking low density polyethylene, produced at the Megarad s.r.l. (Cassino, Italy) firm. It is mostly used as blanket insulation for low and medium electrical voltage cables and as anticorrosion protection for gas pipes. The performance of end products is verified through destructive tests. In particular, we evaluated the gel fraction, the modulus of elasticity at 150°C and the elongation percent on commercial pipes and on specimens manufactured by varying certain parameters, such as the irradiation dose.

Keywords:

• Polyethylene
• Blanket insulation
• Electrical cables
• Low density polyethylene
• Thermoshrinking blanket insulation
• Cross-linking
• Chemical cross-linking
• Gel fraction
• Cross-linking degree
• Silane process
• Electron beam irradiation
• Irradiation dose
• Plastic pipes
• Modulus of elasticity
• Elongation percent

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Megarad staff for their assistance during our tests.