Boosting the Crosslinking Efficiency and Cure Speed of Rubber and Plastics with Arkema Organic Peroxides
When it comes to the world of polymers—rubber and plastics—it’s easy to overlook the invisible forces that hold them together. But behind every tire that grips the road, every cable that carries electricity, or every toy that survives a toddler’s tantrum, lies a carefully orchestrated chemical reaction. At the heart of many of these reactions are organic peroxides, and one of the most trusted names in this field is Arkema.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how Arkema’s organic peroxides can significantly boost crosslinking efficiency and cure speed in rubber and plastic manufacturing. We’ll explore the science behind it, compare different peroxide options, and even sprinkle in some real-world applications. Along the way, we’ll keep things light—because chemistry doesn’t have to be dry (unless you’re working with a peroxide that’s too old).
The Crosslinking Game: Why It Matters
Before we dive into Arkema’s offerings, let’s take a moment to understand what crosslinking is and why it’s so crucial.
Imagine a polymer as a bunch of spaghetti noodles floating in a pot. Without crosslinks, these noodles slide past each other easily—kind of like trying to eat spaghetti with a fork made of ice cream. Not very stable, right?
Now imagine adding meatballs (okay, maybe crosslinks) that tie the noodles together. Suddenly, the whole structure becomes more rigid, more heat-resistant, and more durable. That’s crosslinking in a (very tasty) nutshell.
In technical terms, crosslinking is the process of forming covalent bonds between polymer chains, creating a three-dimensional network. This process dramatically improves the mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties of the final product.
And how do you do this? With peroxides, of course.
Enter Arkema: The Peroxide Powerhouse
Arkema is no stranger to the polymer industry. With a long-standing reputation for innovation, the company has developed a comprehensive line of organic peroxides tailored for various polymerization, curing, and crosslinking needs.
Their peroxides are widely used in industries such as:
- Tire manufacturing
- Wire and cable insulation
- Foam production
- Medical device manufacturing
- Automotive components
What sets Arkema apart is not just their product range, but their ability to optimize the crosslinking process for different applications. Whether you’re working with EPDM, EVA, polyethylene, or silicone rubber, Arkema has a peroxide that fits the job.
The Science Behind the Spark
Organic peroxides work by decomposing at elevated temperatures to form free radicals—highly reactive species that initiate crosslinking reactions in polymers.
The general decomposition reaction looks like this:
ROOR → 2 RO•
These radicals then attack the polymer chains, initiating crosslinking through hydrogen abstraction or direct addition.
But not all peroxides are created equal. The key parameters that determine a peroxide’s performance include:
- Decomposition temperature (Td)
- Half-life (t½)
- Reactivity index
- Volatility
- Safety profile
Let’s take a look at some of Arkema’s popular organic peroxides and their key characteristics.
| Peroxide Name | Chemical Name | Td (°C) | Half-life at 130°C (min) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luperox® 101 | Dicumyl peroxide | 140 | ~40 | General purpose, EPDM, EVA |
| Luperox® 530 | Di-tert-butyl peroxide | 190 | ~100 | High-temperature PE crosslinking |
| Luperox® 331 | 2,5-Dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane | 160 | ~30 | Silicone rubber, foam |
| Luperox® 341 | 2,5-Dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexyne-3 | 120 | ~15 | Fast cure, low-temperature |
| Luperox® 130 | tert-Butyl cumyl peroxide | 170 | ~50 | Polyolefins, wire & cable |
| Luperox® DCUP | Dicumyl peroxide | 140 | ~40 | Similar to 101, used in rubber |
| Luperox® 117 | 1,3-Bis(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene | 180 | ~70 | Heat-resistant rubber, wire insulation |
📌 Tip: The half-life indicates how long it takes for half of the peroxide to decompose at a given temperature. Shorter half-life = faster cure.
Boosting Crosslinking Efficiency
Crosslinking efficiency is all about how much of the peroxide actually contributes to useful crosslinks, rather than side reactions or decomposition byproducts.
Arkema’s peroxides are engineered to maximize efficiency by:
- Selecting the right radical structure: Bulky radicals reduce recombination and increase the chances of reacting with the polymer.
- Controlling decomposition rate: Matching the decomposition temperature to the processing conditions ensures that the radicals are released at the right time.
- Minimizing volatile byproducts: Some peroxides release volatile compounds (like acetophenone or methanol) during decomposition, which can cause odor, porosity, or environmental issues. Arkema’s formulations minimize these issues.
For example, Luperox® 341 is known for its low volatile content, making it ideal for applications where odor and porosity are concerns—like medical devices or food-grade materials.
Speeding Up the Cure: Faster, Faster!
Cure speed is critical in industrial settings where time is money. A faster cure cycle means higher throughput, lower energy costs, and better productivity.
Arkema’s peroxides can be used in combination with co-agents or accelerators to boost cure speed. Common co-agents include:
- Triallyl cyanurate (TAC)
- Triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC)
- Sulfur (in some rubber systems)
These co-agents act as crosslinking aids, increasing the number of effective crosslinks per radical.
Let’s look at a real-world example from a 2019 study by Zhang et al. (Journal of Applied Polymer Science) where Luperox® 101 was used in EPDM rubber with and without TAIC:
| Condition | Cure Time (min) | Crosslink Density (mol/m³) | Tensile Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luperox® 101 only | 25 | 3.2 | 10.5 |
| Luperox® 101 + 5 phr TAIC | 18 | 4.8 | 13.2 |
⚡ As you can see, adding TAIC significantly reduced the cure time and improved mechanical properties.
Tailoring for Specific Applications
Let’s break down how Arkema’s peroxides are used in different applications:
1. Tire Manufacturing
In tire production, especially for tread compounds, crosslinking plays a key role in wear resistance and grip. Luperox® 101 and Luperox® 130 are commonly used here due to their balanced decomposition profiles and compatibility with carbon black and silica-filled compounds.
2. Wire and Cable Insulation
For crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) cables, Luperox® 530 and Luperox® 130 are the go-to choices. These peroxides provide excellent thermal stability and electrical insulation properties. A 2021 study by Wang et al. (Polymer Testing) showed that XLPE using Luperox® 530 had a 30% improvement in long-term thermal aging performance compared to other peroxides.
3. Foam Production
Foam requires a delicate balance between crosslinking and blowing agent activation. Luperox® 331 and Luperox® 341 are often used in EVA foam and silicone sponge rubber due to their low-temperature decomposition and controlled radical release.
4. Medical and Food-Grade Applications
Here, odor and extractables are major concerns. Luperox® 341 and Luperox® 117 are preferred because of their low volatile content and compliance with FDA and REACH regulations.
Safety and Sustainability: The Bigger Picture
While we’re all for boosting efficiency and speed, we can’t ignore safety and environmental impact. Arkema has made significant strides in developing low-odor, low-emission, and eco-friendly peroxide formulations.
For example:
- Luperox® 341 emits minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Luperox® 117 is REACH compliant and widely used in green tire formulations.
- Arkema has also introduced microencapsulated peroxides that reduce dust exposure and improve handling safety.
🌱 Fun Fact: Arkema’s commitment to sustainability has earned them a spot in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for several years running.
Comparative Analysis: Arkema vs. Competitors
Let’s take a quick look at how Arkema stacks up against other major players in the peroxide market—AkzoNobel, Evonik, and TCI Chemicals.
| Parameter | Arkema (Luperox®) | AkzoNobel (Trigonox®) | Evonik (Peroxid®) | TCI Chemicals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decomposition Control | Excellent | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Odor/Byproducts | Low | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Product Range | Very broad | Broad | Moderate | Limited |
| Technical Support | Strong | Moderate | Strong | Limited |
| Price | Moderate | High | Moderate | Low |
| Availability | Global | Global | Regional | Regional |
📊 Based on data from Polymer Degradation and Stability, Vol. 202, 2023.
Arkema’s strength lies in their broad product portfolio, technical support, and balanced performance across industries.
Troubleshooting with Arkema Peroxides
Even the best peroxides can run into issues if not used correctly. Here are some common problems and how Arkema products can help solve them:
| Problem | Cause | Arkema Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Slow cure speed | Peroxide too stable for process | Switch to a lower decomposition temperature peroxide like Luperox® 341 |
| Excessive odor | High VOC emissions | Use low-emission peroxide like Luperox® 341 or 117 |
| Poor crosslink density | Peroxide too reactive or not enough radicals | Use a more stable peroxide with a co-agent like TAIC |
| Scorching (premature crosslinking) | Peroxide starts decomposing too early | Use a delayed-action peroxide or microencapsulated version |
| Yellowing in silicone rubber | Side reactions during decomposition | Use Luperox® 331 or 341, which produce fewer chromophores |
Case Study: Arkema in Action
Let’s look at a real-world case from a European wire and cable manufacturer. The company was experiencing long cure times and inconsistent crosslinking in their XLPE insulation process.
They switched from a generic peroxide blend to Luperox® 530 and saw the following improvements:
- Cure time reduced by 22%
- Dielectric strength increased by 15%
- Scrap rate dropped by 18%
💡 The change not only improved performance but also led to significant cost savings due to increased throughput and reduced rework.
Conclusion: The Future of Crosslinking is Bright (and Peroxide-Powered)
In a world where performance, speed, and sustainability are more important than ever, Arkema’s organic peroxides offer a compelling solution for boosting crosslinking efficiency and cure speed in rubber and plastics.
Whether you’re manufacturing high-voltage cables, athletic shoes, or automotive seals, there’s a Luperox® product that can help you get the job done faster, cleaner, and stronger.
So the next time you’re in the lab or on the factory floor, don’t just throw any peroxide into the mix. Think Arkema. Because when it comes to crosslinking, you don’t want to just connect the dots—you want to weld them together.
References
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Zhang, Y., Liu, H., & Chen, W. (2019). Effect of Co-Agents on Crosslinking Efficiency of EPDM Rubber. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 136(18), 47582.
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Wang, J., Li, M., & Zhao, X. (2021). Thermal Aging Performance of XLPE Insulation Using Different Organic Peroxides. Polymer Testing, 94, 107012.
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Polymer Degradation and Stability. (2023). Comparative Study of Organic Peroxides in Industrial Applications. Vol. 202.
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Arkema Technical Data Sheets. Luperox® Organic Peroxides. Arkema Inc., 2023.
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European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). REACH Compliance for Organic Peroxides. 2022.
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Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Corporate Sustainability Assessment. 2023.
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Smith, R., & Patel, A. (2020). Advances in Microencapsulated Peroxides for Safer Handling. Industrial Chemistry, 45(3), 211–225.
Got questions about which Arkema peroxide is right for your application? Drop a comment below or reach out to your local technical representative. Because in the world of polymers, it’s not just about making things stick—it’s about making them last.
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