Analysis of

Crosslinked
Polyethylene Tubing
Failures
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Ethylene polymerizes on contact with metal
chloride/metal oxide catalysts in an exothermic
reaction.. Called Cordination polymerization.

The Ziegler–Natta catalysts consist of

titanium(III) chloride, the most common process.
Another common catalyst is the Phillips catalyst,
prepared by depositing chromium(VI) oxide on
silica.
 Cross-linked •PEX is a medium- to high-density
polyethylene containing cross-link bonds
polyethylene introduced into the polymer structure,
(PEX or XLPE) changing the thermoplastic into a
thermoset. High-temperature properties
are improved, , and its chemical resistance
is enhanced. PEX is used in some potable-
water plumbing systems because tubes
made of the material can be expanded to
fit over a metal nipple and it will slowly
return to its original shape, forming a
permanent, water-tight connection.
Peroxide crosslinking (PE-Xa): Type A
Polyethylene crosslinking uses peroxides (e. g. dicumyl or
di-tert-butyl peroxide) In the Engel process, a mixture of HDPE
and 2%[36] peroxide is mixed at low temperatures in an extruder
and then crosslinked at high temperatures (between 200 and
250 °C). The peroxide decomposes to peroxide radicals (RO•),
which remove hydrogen atoms from the polymer chain, leading
to radicals. When these combine, a crosslinked network is
formed. The resulting polymer network is uniform, of low tension
, whereby it is softer and tougher than irradiated PEX
 Silane Crosslink Type B

With silanes (e.g. trimethoxyvinylsilane), polyethylene can initially be silicone

initialized by irradiation or by a small amount of a peroxide. Later Si-OH groups
can be formed in a water bath by hydrolysis, which condense then and
crosslink the PE by the formation of Si-O-Si bridges.

Catalysts such as dibutyltin dilaurate may accelerate the reaction

Irradiation crosslinking (PE-Xc):

polyethylene may be cross-linked by a downstream radiation

source . PE products are crosslinked below the crystalline melting
point by splitting off hydrogen atoms. β-radiation possesses a
penetration depth of 10 mm, ɣ-radiation 100 mm. Thereby the
interior or specific areas can be excluded from the
crosslinking. However, due to high capital and operating costs
radiation crosslinking plays only a minor role compared with the
peroxide crosslinking. In contrast to peroxide crosslinking, the
process is carried out in the solid state. Thereby, the cross-linking
takes place primarily in the amorphous regions, while the
crystallinity remains largely intact.
Oxidation induction time ( OIT )

a standard test performed in a DSC, Measures the level of

thermal stabilization of the material (ASTM D3895-92, ASTM
D6186, EN 728 ). The test issesses the stabilization of material
by determining the time of oxidative decomposition (of the
antioxidant additive). Measurement is carried out in an oxygen
atmosphere at a temperature that is (usually at 200-210 oC for
polyethylene materials) to assure that decomposition begins
within a reasonable time.
Takeaways
1. one-check the environment, he chemicals pressure, water chemistry, etc.
2. the fracture analysis first especially pay attention to the interior diameter.
3. Polymer chemistry is important.
4. Aalytical testing-FT IR, DSC, oxidation induction, gel content,.
5. Fatigue does not occur in polyethylene. But progressive cracking does figure
out the mechanism.
6. Look for distribution and location of multiple failures.