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Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), with CAS No. 63231-66-3 and a molecular weight typically ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 g/mol, is a saturated polymer often used as a modifier for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). As a chlorinated derivative of polyethylene (PE), its specific properties vary depending on the degree of chlorination (chlorine content) and the manufacturing process.
- Appearance: White or slightly yellowish powder, odorless or with a faint chloroform-like odor; loose, freely flowing granules or fine powder.
-Physical properties: density 1.10–1.25 g/cm³ (increases with rising chlorine content), bulk density 0.4–0.6 g/cm³, glass transition temperature (Tg) −15°C to 10°C (depending on chlorine content; optimal flexibility is achieved at around 30% chlorine), decomposition temperature >170°C in air, excellent resistance to thermal aging, and typically suitable for long-term use at 120°C.
- Chemical properties: The polymer backbone consists of a saturated hydrocarbon structure with no double bonds, resulting in excellent weather resistance, ozone resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. The presence of chlorine in the molecular chain (typically at 25%–45%) imparts self-extinguishing and flame-retardant properties. The material exhibits exceptional stability against ultraviolet radiation, ozone, and atmospheric aging, with minimal degradation. It also demonstrates good resistance to various oils (such as engine oil and lubricating oil) and organic solvents. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent compatibility with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and elastomers such as nitrile rubber (NBR) and ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber (EPDM).
Uses
Chlorinated polyethylene is mainly divided into two major categories: elastomeric types (with high chlorine content, such as CM) and resin-modified types (with low chlorine content, such as CPE 135A), which have slightly different applications:
1. PVC modifier (primary application): When added to PVC as an impact modifier, it significantly enhances the impact strength, low-temperature resistance, and processing flowability of PVC products. Applications include PVC pipes, pipe fittings, extruded profiles (for doors and windows), sheets, and wire and cable sheaths.
2. Chlorinated Polyethylene Elastomer (CM): When the chlorine content is relatively high (30%–40%), CPE itself can be used as a specialty rubber. Applications include insulation layers for wires and cables, heat-resistant conveyor belts, rubber hoses, sealing strips, and anti-corrosion linings.
3. Flame-retardant materials: Leveraging their chlorine-containing flame-retardant properties, they are used to manufacture flame-retardant conveyor belts and flame-retardant cable compounds.
4. Coatings and adhesives: Used in the formulation of anti-corrosion coatings, marine coatings, fire-retardant coatings, and high-performance adhesives.
5. Modification of other plastics: Used to enhance the flame retardancy and toughness of plastics such as ABS, PE, and PP.