Irradiation cross-linking of materials used in the automotive and electro technic industries, and in irrigation and packaging products, is another service offered by Steritech.

Cross-linking is the establishment of chemical links between the molecular chains in a polymer. Cross-linking produces an increased branching rate and the average molecular weight of the polymer. The properties of some plastics are significantly improved: insolubility, infusibility and improved mechanical behavior with temperature.

In summary, changes from irradiation cross-linking are:
       • Increased hardness.
       • Decreased elongation.
       • Improved impact resistance.
       • Improved creep resistance.
       • Improved resistance to stress-cracking and          abrasion.