Introduction

Polyethylene is commonly cross-linked to strengthen it for high-performance applications. Cross-linked

polyethylene (PEX) is used in various applications, including hot water radiant heating systems, electrical
cable insulation, and domestic water piping. PEX pipes offer advantages such as long lifetimes, easy
installation, stability in corrosive environments, and resistance to biofilm buildup. The use of PEX pipes
in home water distribution has increased due to cost considerations.

Cross-Linking Methods

Cross-linking of PEX can be achieved using three methods: Engle process, silane method, and electron
beam method. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of uniformity and control of
cross-linking.

Importance of Cross-Linking

The degree of cross-linking is crucial in controlling the physical properties and performance of PEX pipes.
It affects parameters such as burst strength, resistance to oxidative degradation, thermal stability, and
dimensional stability.

Robustness Evaluation with PRESS Plots

Predicted Residual Error Sum of Square (PRESS) plots can be used to evaluate the robustness of
chemometric models. PRESS plots describe the behavior of error based on the number of factors used to
develop the model. Factors are used to account for spectral variation. A robust model will have PRESS
plots that drop to a minimum error and then stabilize or slightly increase. Calculating additional factors
beyond a certain point may increase error as the model overfits the data.

NIR Analysis of Gel Content

On-line analysis of gel content in PEX pipes using the Antaris II FT-NIR analyzer successfully predicts the
degree of cross-linking. The analysis provides excellent results with low error across a wide range of gel
content percentages, including the critical range of 65% to 89%. NIR analysis offers advantages such as
rapid data collection within seconds, instantaneous quantitative analysis, and avoidance of time delays
and difficulties associated with extraction using heated organic solvents.

Benefits of FT-NIR Analysis

FT-NIR analysis allows for automated and rapid collection of spectroscopic data, enabling clean and
instant quantitative analysis without the need for hazardous chemicals. It offers a time-efficient
alternative to traditional extraction methods and provides accurate predictions of cross-linking levels in
PEX pipes.
Summary

Based on the provided text from Thermo Fisher Scientific, it is mentioned that the Antaris II FT-NIR
analyzer can be used for on-line analysis to predict the degree of cross-linking in PEX pipes. The analysis
using FT-NIR spectroscopy provides excellent results with low error across a wide range of gel content
percentages, including the critical range of 65% to 89%. This method allows for automated and rapid
collection of spectroscopic data within seconds, providing instantaneous quantitative analysis without
the need for hazardous chemicals or time-consuming extraction processes. The results suggest that the
FT-NIR analyzer is capable of determining the cross-linking level in PEX pipes efficiently and accurately.