Accession Number:

AD0656390

Title:

CHEMICALLY CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO BRIDGEPORT CONN WIRE AND CABLE DEPT

Personal Author(s):

• Kerwin,E. R.

Report Date:

1958-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

16.0

Abstract:

Present Vulkene compounds admittedly do not equal the electrical properties of conventional polyethylene, however, they are comparable and the over-all properties are superior to many thermoplastic and thermosetting insulations used in a wide variety of applications. Significant advantages can be realized with Vulkene in installations involving one or more of the following conditions 1 Overloads and short circuits 2 High ambients 3 Exposure to solvents and chemical reagents 4 Abrasion and impact problems 5 Low temperature operation, particularly in cases where the cable may be subject to impacts. The full potential of Vulkene has not been realized. Substantial strides are being made in compounding and in the use of other cross linking agents that should substantially improve the electrical characteristics without appreciably altering the excellent thermal properties achieved with this material. Line wire, control cable and power cable applications are all being studied. Hook-up wire is another candidate to provide an economical answer to shrink-back and damaged insulation commonly experienced in making soldered connections and maintaining electronic equipment. Coloring and striping do not seem to present any problem but various manufacturing techniques will have to be perfected before this goal is fully realized. Author

Descriptors:

• *ELECTRICAL INSULATION
• CROSSLINKING(CHEMISTRY)
• POLYETHYLENE PLASTICS
• THERMAL PROPERTIES
• PLASTIC COATINGS
• ELECTRIC WIRE
• TENSILE PROPERTIES
• ELECTRIC CABLES
• WEAR RESISTANCE
• SHOCK RESISTANCE
• AGING(MATERIALS)

Subject Categories:

• Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• Miscellaneous Materials
• Plastics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE