What are compared between XLPE and PE?

XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) compounds are advanced polymer materials made by chemically or physically linking polyethylene molecules, turning a thermoplastic into a thermoset with superior heat, electrical, and mechanical properties, primarily used for high-performance cable insulation (MV/HV), plumbing (PEX pipes), and radiant heating systems, formulated with base resin, crosslinkers (peroxide, silane), antioxidants, and fillers for specific applications. 

• Base Resin: Polyethylene (PE).
• Crosslinking Agent: Peroxides (e.g., dicumyl peroxide) or silanes (e.g., vinyl silane).
• Additives: Antioxidants, heat stabilizers, processing aids, fillers (like clay for lower voltage), and sometimes flame retardants (HFFR). 

• Peroxide (PEX-a): Uses peroxide during compounding, cured by heat (steam/hot water).
• Silane (PEX-b): Silane grafted onto PE, cured by moisture (ambient/hot water).
• Irradiation (PEX-c): Uses electron beams for crosslinking. 

• Properties: High thermal stability, excellent electrical insulation (low dielectric loss), good mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance.
• Applications:
  • Cables: High & Medium Voltage (MV/HV) power cable insulation, building wires.
  • Plumbing: Hot & cold water pipes (PEX), radiant heating/cooling systems, geothermal.
  • Industrial: Chemical transport, sewage, slurry pipelines. 

However –

Depending on the formulation, over-cooking XLPE can result in some undesirable effects, that you will want to avoid.  One common effect is known as coining – the appearance of a locally depressed area on the surface of the part, as though a large coin had been pressed into the surface while the polymer was soft.  Reducing the oven temperature is the usual expedient to eliminate such defects, but then you may affect crosslinking.  Hence my main recommendation, to use available control tools to achieve as much precision in set-up as you possibly can.

Please contact us for any doubts about XLPE Compounds.

The xlpe polymers&cmpounds, which is easier to process and stable in performance, is waiting for your test