The adhesive properties of chlorinated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is well known for its abrasion and chemical resistance. Recently we developed a new application for UHMW-PE as a liner in elastomeric hoses. It was found that the adhesion between UHMW-PE and elastomers such as ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is sufficient for practical applications, but the adhesion to nitrile rubber (NBR) is poor. In order to improve the adhesion between NBR and the UHMW-PE liner, (nascent) powder chlorinated polyethylenes were used as interlayers between UHMW-PE and NBR. These powder chlorinated polyethylenes are polymers with a dual nature and are composed of highly chlorinated polyethylene segments compatible with NBR and polyethylene segments compatible with UHMW-PE. In order to achieve sufficient adhesion, the chlorine content of the chlorinated blocks should be at least 15 wt%. If these powder chlorinated UHMW-PEs have a chlorine content of 15 wt% in the chlorinated blocks, dilution with polyethylene hardly affects the adhesive properties, which is an advantage in the practical use of these materials as interlayers.