Product Type:
Crosslinkers, Rheology Modifiers
Applications:
Adhesives & Sealants, Coatings, Plastics & Thermoplastics, Rubber
Arkema is one of the main global producers of organic peroxides. They have twelve production plants on four continents and research centres in Europe, the USA, and Asia. The Luperox® brand was first trademarked in 1967, and a wide range of organic peroxides have been in regular production ever since. Crosslinking of polyolefins and elastomers increases their mechanical strength and resistance to chemicals or weather.
The process is essential to the production of wire and cable, automotive parts, oil and gas exploration tools and footwear around the world. The free radicals produced by the thermal activation organic peroxides can be used to generate chain scission in some polymers. The resulting reduction in molecular weight and narrowing of the molecular weight distribution gives improved melt flow properties. This mechanism is widely used in polymer recycling; to elevate the MFI of recycled products, to reduce energy demand, to conserve resources and to reduce landfill.
A unique product from Arkema, this innovative scorch protection technology is only available with Luperox® grades. This technolgy effectively collects free radicals during processing and then gives them up during curing. This means there is no need to add additional antioxidants or peroxide to achieve correct state of cure. Mixing can be done in fewer steps and processing can be conducted at higher temperature, improving productivity. These benefits are available without having to compromise on product quality or properties.
Luperox Air is the latest technology put forward by Arkema. It allows curing of peroxide articles in the presence of oxygen without any of the surface degradation drawbacks. The main application is automotive extrusion profiles. However due to performance of this product there has been significant uptake in peroxide cured moulding compounds. Mould fouling is significantly reduced in production as tacky polymer isn’t formed during moulding process.