Cross-Linking

The aim of treating polymers with ionizing radiation is primarily to improve the mechanical and thermal stability of products.

The demands for higher abrasion resistance, thermal stability, and general stability is steadily increasing as metal parts continue to be replaced by plastic components. However, high-performance polymers are costly to procure. The cross-linking of plastics has proven to be a cost-efficient alternative for a large number of plastic compounds. In additional, irradiation enables the use of raw materials that are easy to process. The desired change in physical and mechanical parameters takes place after the manufacture of the molded part. The degree of cross-linking can be adjusted through the radiation parameters. This manner of refinement also allows for the targeted treatment of specific areas of a product, while other areas retain their flexibility or other properties.