Polyethylene cross-linking methods

D Lima DD, Hermida JC, Chen PC, Colwell CW Polyethylene cross-linking by two different methods reduces acetabular liner wear in a hip joint wear simulator. J Orthop Res 2003 September,21 (5) 761-6. 

In the previously described electrophoretic methods, the capillary was filled with electrolytes only. Another mode of operation in capillary electrophoresis involves filling the capillary with gel or viscous polymer solutions. If desired, a column can be packed with particles and equipped with a frit.68 This mode of analysis has been favorably used for the size determination of biologically important polymers, such as DNA, proteins, and polysaccharides. The most frequently used polymers in capillary gel electrophoresis are cross-linked or linear polyacrylamide,69 cellulose derivatives,70-75 agarose,76 78 and polyethylene glycols. 

Electron beam irradiation is one of the methods of cross-linking in fhis process. The other methods use peroxide, multifunctional azide, or an organofunctional silane. Polyethylene resins respond to electron beam irradiation well since the rate of cross-linking exceeds significanfly fhe chain scission. Polypropylene (PP) is prone to P-cleavage, which makes if difficult to cross-link by a free radical process. For fhaf reason, PP resins... 

The PEO salt complexes are generally prepared by direct interaction in solution for soluble systems or by immersion method, soaking the network cross-linked PEO in the appropriate salt solution [52-57]. Besides PEO, poly(propylene)oxide, poly(ethylene)suceinate, poly(epichlorohydrin), and polyethylene imine) have also been explored as base polymers for solid electrolytes [58]. Polyethylene imine) (PEI) is prepared by the ring-opening polymerization of 2-methyloxazoline. Solid solutions of PEI and Nal are obtained by dissolving both in acetonitrile (80 °C) followed by cooling to room temperature and solvent evaporation in vacuo. Polyethyleneimine-NaCF3S03 complexes have also been explored [59],... 

The functionalization method appears particularly convenient, because underivatized beaded resins of various types and many polymers (such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polyacrylates, polysaccharides, and many others) are commercially available. However, this method suffers from the possibility of side-reactions on the cross-linked polymer, and can yield poorly characterized polymer supports. 

Cross-linked low-density polyethylene foam can be produced by batch and continuous processes. The cross-linking is accomplished by chemical or irradiation methods. Chemical cross-linking of PE foam is produced in a batch process, and because of production economics is limited to "plank products." The radiation cross-link process permits the continuous production of cross-linked PE foam. This process is limited, however, to production of relatively thin cross sections (up to 3/8 inch) or sheet products (6). 

Muratoglu, O.K. Bragdon, C.R. O Connor, A.S. Jasty, M. Harris, W.H. A novel method of cross-linking ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene to improve wear reduce oxidation, and retain mechanical properties. J. Arthoplasty 2001, 16, 149-160. 

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The preferred method of evaluating HDPE was found to be the time to cross link at 220 0 using the Brabender apparatus, as is made evident by the rapid increase in torque. Determining melt viscosity by multiple extrusion showed only small differences compared to the base polymer. 

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