Faster Curing Ethylene-Silane Copolymer for Wire and Cable Applications

Abstract

A “faster curing” ethylene-silane copolymer has been designed as an alternative to existing ethylene-silane copolymers or silane grafted polyethylenes. Rapid crosslinking at ambient conditions has been demonstrated with the “faster curing” co-polymer. Even with its enhanced cure characteristics, the “faster curing” co-polymer still exhibits excellent processability during melt extrusion. For applications where blends with non-silane functionalized polymers are desirable (or required), dilution with up to 50% LLDPE has been demonstrated while maintaining acceptable cure rate and extent of crosslinking, and even greater dilution is possible. The “faster curing” copolymer also maintains superior shelf-life stability over Sioplas silane grafted polyethylene. The “faster curing” copolymer is also a suitable alternative to Monosil silane grafted polyethylene and can be provided for use in bulk in addition to traditional boxes and bags.