What is Cross Linked Polyethylene?

Definition:

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX or XLPE) is a modified polymer material whose polyethylene molecular chains are cross-linked through chemical or physical means to form a three-dimensional network structure.

This structural transformation changes it from a thermoplastic to a thermosetting or semi-thermosetting material significantly improving its heat resistance and mechanical strength and chemical stability.

Key Features and Advantages:

Compared to ordinary high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Cross linked polyethylene has the following significant advantages:

• Superior heat resistance: Continuous operating temperature up to 100 Celsius or short-term emergency temperature up to 120 Celsius and it does not melt or drip at high temperatures.
• Excellent flexibility: Cross linked polyethylene can be bent without breaking reducing the number of joints and lowering the risk of leakage.
• Excellent crack resistance: It has extremely high environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) and creep resistance.
• Corrosion resistance and long service life:Because it is not corroded by minerals or moisture so its expected service life is 50 to 200 years.
• Hygienic safety: Cross linked polyethylene are widely considered non-toxic and hygienic that suitable for drinking water transportation.

Core Application Areas:

• Building Water Supply and Drainage: Used for hot and cold water pipes, underfloor heating and radiator systems.Read More
• Power Cables: Utilizing excellent electrical insulation properties as insulation material for high-voltage (up to 500kV) and medium-to-low-voltage power cables.Read More
• Industrial Storage Tanks: Used to manufacture high-strength chemical storage tanks, impact-resistant and resistant to various highly corrosive chemicals.Read More
• Medical Devices: Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) is commonly used as lining for artificial joints (such as hip and knee joints) due to its extremely high abrasion resistance.Read More