Improving the Properties of Plastics
Mercury Plastics has extensive experience in cross–linking a variety of polymers including high density polyethylene (PEX), nylon (PA), flexible PVC, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), using irradiation electron beam (e-beam) technology.
Mercury has been operating our electron beam processing plant since we built the facility in 1999. This 25,000 square foot facility has allowed us to gain extensive experience using e-beam processing in order to cross-link a variety of polymers. Our in-house e–beam facility has allowed us to enhance the properties of these materials, thereby developing unique materials such as PEX OT. Mercury is one of only a few companies in the country to have a captive operation of this type.
Irradiation cross-linking results in several performance improvements, including –
- Excellent taste and odor performance
- Kink resistance
- Creep resistance
- Resistance to stress cracking
- Chemical resistance
- Improved compression set
- Extended product life expectancy
- Resistance to chlorine / chloramine attack
- Abrasion and wear resistance
- Improved dimensional stability
The use of the irradiation cross-linking method eliminates the need for chemical additives in the cross-linking process and is an excellent alternative to the silane or peroxide (Engel) method. Since there are no chemical additives used, there are no chemical residuals remaining on the cross-linked product. Ultimately providing a clean, safe and environmentally friendly approach to cross-linking.
This is just one more technology that we use in combination with our other capabilities to offer you products that deliver the best possible performance at the lowest possible cost.
