Crosslinked polyethylene
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Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is a kind of insulator which is used as insulation layer in underground power cables.
Contents |
Advantages
Higher modulus and strength at elevated temperatures. Reduced creep compared to HDPE. Reduced sensitivity to stress cracking.
Disadvantages
Irradiation cross-linking requires expensive plant. Peroxide cross-linking can affect electrical properties.
Typical Properties
Density (g/cm3) 0.93
Surface Hardness SD58
Tensile Strength (MPa) 18
Flexural Modulus (GPa) 0.6
Notched Izod (kJ/m) 1.06+
Linear Expansion (/°C x 10-5) 20
Elongation at Break (%) 350
Strain at Yield (%) N/Y
Max. Operating Temp. (°C) 90
Water Absorption (%) 0.01
Oxygen Index (%) 17
Flammability UL94 HB
Volume Resistivity (log ohm.cm) 16
Dielectric Strength (MV/m) 21
Dissipation Factor 1kHz 0.0004
Dielectric Constant 1kHz 2.2
HDT @ 0.45 MPa (°C) 60
HDT @ 1.80 MPa (°C) 60
Material. Drying hrs @ (°C) NA
Melting Temp. Range (°C) 150 - 170
Mould Shrinkage (%) 3
Mould Temp. Range (°C) 20 - 80
Applications
Shrink-wrap film, heat-shrinkable tubing, pipe for domestic heating systems, rotationally moulded tanks.
Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene • High density polyethylene • Crosslinked high density polyethylene • Medium density polyethylene • Linear low density polyethylene • Low density polyethylene • Very low density polyethylene • Crosslinked polyethylene
See also: Thermoplastic • Thermosetting plastic

