Crosslinking allows long, individual molecular strands of material to be connected together to create additional strength and stability to the compound.
Crosslinking allows long, individual molecular strands of material to be connected together to create additional strength and stability to the compound. Think of a bundle of uncooked spaghetti held in your hand, each piece is individual and unconnected to its neighboring strand. Crosslinking creates many links between each strand in a similar way that steps on an extension ladder connect the two supporting sides of the ladder. This crosslinked connection increases the strength and durability of the tubing. Typical methods of crosslinking can be achieved by electronic irradiation (beaming) or by treating the tubing via chemical reaction. Chemical reaction crosslinking is usually a much stronger (more thorough, more crosslinked connections) method.
- Crosslinked heat shrink tubing will not melt or flow even if overheated.
- Improved properties from crosslinking
- Improved stability (heat aging, solvent resistance, shelf life)
- Lower longitudinal change
- Higher expansion rations
We carry a wide variety of crosslinked tubing. Please contact us for more information and assistance with alternatives for your specific application.