Abstract: A method for producing a high strength, flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) material is provided wherein the base polymer is intermixed with a polymer modifier which affects the amorphous region of the polymer, leaving the crystalline portion of the base polymer virtually unaffected. Consequently, the amorphous region's density is lowered, resulting in a more flexible final product, while the crosslinked molecular structure and/or crystalline portion of the polymer, which controls the strength of the base polymer, remains strong. The polymer modifier can comprise a hydrocarbon fluid such as PAO, Group III basestocks, or a gas-to-liquid hydrocarbon. The plastic material has particular utility in the production of tubing, piping, and conduits for transporting gases, liquids, and the like, as well as wire and cable coatings such as jacketing and insulation.

Abstract: A method for producing a high strength, flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) material is provided wherein the base polymer is intermixed with a polymer modifier which affects the amorphous region of the polymer, leaving the crystalline portion of the base polymer virtually unaffected. Consequently, the amorphous region's density is lowered, resulting in a more flexible final product, while the crosslinked molecular structure and/or crystalline portion of the polymer, which controls the strength of the base polymer, remains strong. The polymer modifier can comprise a hydrocarbon fluid such as PAO, Group III basestocks, or a gas-to-liquid hydrocarbon. The plastic material has particular utility in the production of tubing, piping, and conduits for transporting gases, liquids, and the like, as well as wire and cable coatings such as jacketing and insulation.

Abstract: A high strength, flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) material is provided wherein the base polymer is intermixed with a polymer modifier which affects the amorphous region of the polymer, leaving the crystalline portion of the base polymer virtually unaffected. Consequently, the amorphous region's density is lowered, resulting in a more flexible final product, while the crosslinked molecular structure and/or crystalline portion of the polymer, which controls the strength of the base polymer, remains strong. The polymer modifier can comprise a hydrocarbon fluid such as PAO, Group III basestocks, or a gas-to-liquid hydrocarbon. A method for producing the plastic material is also provided. The plastic material has particular utility in the production of tubing, piping, and conduits for transporting gases, liquids, and the like, as well as wire and cable coatings such as jacketing and insulation.

Abstract: Crosslinkable or crosslinked polymer compositions are provided, the compositions including a copolymer of ethylene and C3 to C12 alpha-olefin comonomer, the copolymer having a CDBI of at least 70%, a melt index I2.16 of from 0.1 to 15 g/10 min, a density of from 0.910 to 0.940 g/cm3, a melt index ratio I21.6/I2.16 of from 30 to 80, and an Mw/Mn ratio of from 2.5 to 5.5; and a silane grafting composition including a silane compound and a free radical initiator; or reaction products thereof. The crosslinkable or crosslinked compositions are particularly suitable for electrical applications, such as in insulating, semiconducting or jacketing layers of power cables, telecommunications cables, and combined power/telecommunications cables.

Abstract: Crosslinkable or crosslinked polymer compositions are provided, the compositions including a copolymer of ethylene and C3 to C12 alpha-olefin comonomer, the copolymer having a CDBI of at least 70%, a melt index I2.16 of from 0.1 to 15 g/10 min, a density of from 0.910 to 0.940 g/cm3, a melt index ratio I21.6/I2.16 of from 30 to 80, and an Mw/Mn ratio of from 2.5 to 5.5; and a silane grafting composition including a silane compound and a free radical initiator; or reaction products thereof. The crosslinkable or crosslinked compositions are particularly suitable for electrical applications, such as in insulating, semiconducting or jacketing layers of power cables, telecommunications cables, and combined power/telecommunications cables.