Abstract: The use of magnesium oxide for increasing the rate of crosslinking and/or the crosslinking density of at least one crosslinkable polymer is described in addition to a composition that can be employed in this use, comprising: from 30 to 80% by weight of a crosslinking co-agent, from 0.5 to 10% by weight of an organic peroxide, from 15 to 60% by weight of magnesium oxide, and from 0 to 40% by weight of one or more crosslinkable polymers. An article obtained from this composition is also described.

Abstract: The use of magnesium oxide for increasing the rate of crosslinking and/or the crosslinking density of at least one crosslinkable polymer is described in addition to a composition that can be employed in this use, comprising: from 30 to 80% by weight of a crosslinking co-agent, from 0.5 to 10% by weight of an organic peroxide, from 15 to 60% by weight of magnesium oxide, and from 0 to 40% by weight of one or more crosslinkable polymers. An article obtained from this composition is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing the absorption rate of peroxides into polymer particles used to fabricate electrical cable insulation. The method includes contacting the polymer particles with a peroxide compound and an additive under physical mixing conditions at a temperature that is above the melting point of the peroxide compound but below the softening point of the polymer particles for a period of time sufficient to allow the peroxide compound to absorb into the polymer particles. Preferably, the additive is squalane or another branched, hydrocarbon oil that substantially increases the rate at which the peroxide compound is absorbed into the polymer particles and improves the peroxide cure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the suppression of bloom in polymeric articles that are crosslinked using a,a?-bis(tert-butylperoxy) diisopropylbenzene, polymeric compositions comprising a,a?-bis(tert-butylperoxy) diisopropylbenzene that are non-blooming, agents for crosslinking polymers, and crosslinked polymeric articles formed in accordance with the method of the invention. Agents for crosslinking a polymeric composition according to the invention include a mixture of a,a?-bis(tert-butylperoxy) diisopropylbenzene and a nonionic compound having a hydrophobic group bonded to a polyethylene glycol chain via an ether linkage, wherein the hydrophobic group includes about 12 or more carbon atoms at least 8 of which are in the form of an alkyl chain, and wherein the polyethylene glycol chain includes about 20 or more ethylene oxide units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing the absorption rate of peroxides into polymer particles used to fabricate electrical cable insulation. The method includes contacting the polymer particles with a peroxide compound and an additive under physical mixing conditions at a temperature that is above the melting point of the peroxide compound but below the softening point of the polymer particles for a period of time sufficient to allow he peroxide compound to absorb into the polymer particles. Preferably, the additive is squalane or another branched, hydrocarbon oil that substantially increases the rate at which the peroxide compound is absorbed into the polymer particles and improves the peroxide cure.