Formulating wire & cable grades of polyethylene for irradiation cross-linking

Polyethylene wire and cable insulations and jackets are cross-linked readily by high energy electron radiation. In general, a 15 to 30-megarad dose is needed to achieve an adequate cross-link density. The composition and molecular weight of the starting polymer are the major material variables that determine the dose requirements. Additional factors are the fillers and antioxidants required in most compositions. Although cure accelerators will facilitate cross-linking, polyethylene does not require their use to develop a cross-linked network when irradiated.