Hypalon® - synthetic elastomer: chemical properties, manufacturing technology, material application area

Hypalon® is the commercial name of a polyethylene elastomer (polychlorosulfate) developed in the 1950s by specialists from DuPont, which was established as a commonly used name for a group of HSPE materials. Currently, DuPont has suspended production of Hypalon® material, but the technology has been adopted by other brands that supply the world market with HSPE modifications that are significantly different in their properties and application.

Production technology and chemical properties of HYPALON

Chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CCDE) is produced in the course of the chemical reaction of the sulfochlorination of polyethylene, as a result of which the hydrogen atoms in the polyethylene formula are replaced with chlorine atoms by sulphide chloride groups. The properties of the final product largely depend on the molecular weight, the degree of crystallinity of the polyethylene, the reaction conditions, the volume of chlorine and sulfur dioxide atoms introduced into the molecule of the starting material. Material Hypalon is produced:

• On the basis of PE low density (prototype DuPontHypalon 20, 30) - is actively used in the paint and varnish industry in the manufacture of varnishes, mastics, enamels, etc.

• On the basis of high density PE (prototype - DuPontHypalon 40, 45) - general-purpose rubber, which has excellent mechanical characteristics and in some cases can be used in unvulcanized form; is in demand among producers of household and technical products.

The higher the molecular weight of polyethylene, the more rigid the polymer can be produced at the exit, but the thermoplasticity inevitably decreases. At a low molecular weight of the starting material, the physico-mechanical properties of the final product are significantly reduced. At an optimum ratio of chlorine and sulfur, the polymer goes into an amorphous state, acquires high resistance to compression, effects of aggressive media, and acquires the ability to maintain elasticity at low ambient temperatures.

Consumer benefits of HYPALON material

The popularity of the material Hypalon among manufacturers of products for technical and household purposes is conditioned by such consumer qualities:

• High abrasion resistance (3 times higher than polychloroprene) allows the use of polyethylene elastomer for the manufacture of elements subject to friction and other mechanical influences.

• Good elasticity, which is preserved even when exposed to the finished product of low and high temperatures (from -60 to + 180 ° C), UV-radiation (ultraviolet).

• CCDE with a chlorine content in the range of 32-45% has high oil-, fire-, benzene-resistance, is not subject to biocorrosion.

• Increased strength, heat resistance, incombustibility, long service life.

Application area of ​​HYPALON material

Chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSPE) is used in the production of:

• Coatings for conveyor belts.

• Insulations of cables, wires.

• Gaskets, seals.

• Rubberized fabrics.

• Paintwork materials, glues, sealants.

• Rubber boats, etc.

Velmet actively uses the Hypalon material from the European manufacturer ORCA to implement new concepts in the field of tactical equipment, elements of individual armor protection. In the near future, fans of the products of the progressive Ukrainian brand will be able to evaluate the new models of plate carriers and other products made using the polyethylene elastomeric Hypalon.

Posted by Sergii_Velmet