AL2CHEM SPECIALTIES AL 121 Silane
AL121 is used as a polymer modifier via grafting reactions. The resulting pendant trimethoxysilyl groups can function as moisture-activated crosslinking sites. The Silane grafted polymer is processed as a thermoplastic and crosslinking occurs after fabrication of the finished article upon exposure to moisture.
Properties
- Physical Form
- Liquid
Product families
Applications
- Consumer Goods — Appliances & Electronics
- Equipment & Parts
- Jacketing & Insulation
Product Families
- Catalysts Initiators & Crosslinkers
- Surface Modifiers
Other characteristics
- End Uses
- Cables, Pipes, Shrink Wrap, Tubing
- Functions
- Coupling Agent, Crosslinking Agent
- Processing Methods
- Extrusion
- Compatible Polymers & Resins
- Polyethylenes (PE)
- Markets
- Consumer Goods
- Electrical & Electronics
- Industrial
- Appearance
- Colorless transparent liquid
- Technology
- Plastics
- Basic Reaction
The basic reaction sequence is as follows: polyethylene is reacted (grafted) with vinyltrimethoxysilane, using a peroxide initiator, in an extruder. The grafted polyethylene is then formed into a finished product, such as cable jacketing, wire insulation, or pipe. The forming step is usually done by a second extrusion, during which a catalyst for the moisture-cure step is added. Finally, the formed article is exposed to moisture or hot water to cause hydrolysis of the Silane and condensation to form crosslinks via Si-O-Si bond formation.
- ChemicalFormula
- C5H12O3Si
- Material Features
Abrasion Resistant; Chemical Resistant; Cost Effective; Good Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR); Good Impact Strength; Good Processability; High Productivity; High Purity; High Temperature Strength; Highly Versatile; Low Creep
- Benefits of Crosslinking
- Higher maximum use temperature
- Reduced deformation under load (creep)
- Improved chemical resistance
- Superior environmental stress crack resistance
- Increased abrasion resistance
- Improved impact strength
- Memory characteristics (shrink film, tubing)
- Compatible Polymers and Resins
- Polyethylenes (PE)
- Plastics and Elastomers End Uses
- Cables
- Pipes
- Shrink Wrap
- Tubing
- Plastics and Elastomers Functions
- Coupling Agent
- Crosslinking Agent
- Plastics and Elastomers Processing Methods
- Extrusion
- Advantages
Low capital investment; Low operating (energy) costs; Higher productivity; Processing versatility; Thick, thin, or variable thicknesses possible; Complex shapes possible; Wilder processing latitude (control of premature crosslinking); Useful with filled composites; Applicable to all polyethylene densities and copolymers.
Technical data
Table 1 of 1
5 rows| Characteristic | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point (at 760mmHg) | 122 | °C |
| Density (25/25°C) | 0.960 - 0.970 | — |
| Molecular Weight | 148.2 | — |
| Purity | min. 98.0 | % |
| Refractive Index (at 25°C) | 1.3905 +/- 0.0005 | — |
