Abstract: Granulated polyethylene is agitated and mixed with a solution of silane with peroxide, activators and anti-oxidants and at a temperature between 80.degree. to 100.degree. C. to obtain diffusion of these additives into the polyethylene particles which is followed by grafting through extrusion or radiation which in turn is followed by exposure to and/or development of water to obtain cross-linking. A catalyst is added preferably by mixing polyethylene powder with the catalyst and adding that powder to the powder with diffused silane, after that diffusion has been completed.

Abstract: Granulated polyethylene is agitated and mixed with a solution of silane with peroxide, activators and anti-oxidants and at a temperature between 80.degree. to 100.degree. C to obtain diffusion of these additives into the polyethylene particles which is followed by grafting through extrusion or radiation which in turn is followed by exposure to and/or development of water to obtain cross-linking. A catalyst is added preferably by mixing polyethylene powder with the catalyst and adding that powder to the powder with diffused silane, after that diffusion has been completed.

Abstract: A stranded filament bundle is coated with a cross-linking plastic that contains carbon black followed by enveloping in a plastic that cross-links in the presence of moisture. The inner coating will cross-link either when the outer layer cross-links by water treatment; or by conduction of heat in the extruder for the outer layer; or by microwave heating.

Abstract: A composition for bonding to copper comprised of copolymers and ionic copolymers of ethylene and an .alpha.,.beta.-monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having incorporated therein a copper deactivating amount of a copper stabilizer or deactivator. The composition has improved moisture-resistant bond strength on copper and laminates of copper and the composition may be employed as a protective sheathing for cables.