TABLE OF CONTENTS CPE is the standardized acronym for thermoplastic chlorinated polyethylene. CM is the standardized acronym for elastomeric chlorinated polyethylene.
Chlorinated polyethylene is produced by chlorination of polyethylene and has the structure shown in Figure 4.31.
Chlorine content could be as high as 70% by weight but the current grades have a chlorine content in the 25% up to 42% range.
These resins can be used as:
base thermoplastics for extruded, calendered, solution cast and injection-moulded parts and goods
elastomers after crosslinking
modifying resins and additives for other polymers such as PVC, styrene-acrylonitrile, ethylene polymers and copolymers, acrylics
Properties vary with chlorine content, crystallinity and molecular weight.
Applications as primary thermoplastics to produce flexible parts and products are, for example:
wire and cable jacketing
extruded profiles: gasketing, tubing
moulded shapes: pipe fittings
coated fabrics: extrusion of coated scrim for tarpaulins
hose for chemical transfer and storage
CM are speciality elastomers that can be crosslinked either by curing agents or irradiation leading to parts with fair flexibility, resistance to heat, oils and fuels, ignition, chemicals, low temperatures and weathering.
Because of their resistance to automotive fluids CM are used for hoses, tubing, air ducts and wire jacketing, tubes and covers for return side power steering hoses, single construction emission and vacuum tubing, hose covers, large diameters and convoluted geometries required for air intake ducts
CPE has been used successfully in under-the-hood wire and cable-coating...
