Silane crosslinking

What is silane crosslinking?

Silane crosslinking is a chemical crosslinking process for Thermoplastics and elastomers, in which so-called silaneCopolymers crosslink under the influence of moisture. The process is used in particular for thermoplastic polyethylene (PE), turning it into a non-genuine elastomer, e.g. for pipes or cable sheathing. It is also used for room temperature crosslinking (RTV) silicones and other silane-modified elastomers such as EPDM with silane group or TPO-Si.

How does silane crosslinking work?

During silane crosslinking, reactive silane groups are chemically bonded to a Polymer attached. These groups react later - after the Extrusion or shaping - under the influence of water (also as vapour or ambient humidity) and a catalyst (usually an organotin). The result is cross-linking with improved mechanical and thermal properties.

Advantages:

Can be processed at room temperature or slightly higher temperatures
Simple post-crosslinking possible, partly due to humidity

Disadvantages:

Can only be used for certain elastomers
Poorer dynamic properties
Silane-modified base material is often more expensive

Typical applications:

Silane-crosslinked polyethylene as a non-genuine elastomer for sanitary, heating and gas pipes
RTV silicone insulation in the electrical sector

Further entries

Special alloys

Speciality alloys are highly developed metal mixtures for extreme requirements in technology, medicine and industry - especially where corrosion, temperature or load limits of standard materials are exceeded.

Rubber buffers

Rubber buffers are elastic elements that absorb and dampen shocks, oscillations and vibrations. They protect machines, devices and assemblies from mechanical loads, compensate for movements and reduce noise in technical applications.

Tool costs

Tool costs are the expenses for the manufacture of tools and have a significant influence on the profitability of series production.

REACH

REACH is an EU regulation for the registration, evaluation and regulation of chemical substances in order to better protect people and the environment. Companies must prove the safety of the raw materials they use and inform customers if their products contain substances of concern.

VMQ: Silicone rubber

Silicone rubber (VMQ) is a heat-, cold- and UV-resistant elastomer with very good insulation and media resistance, which is frequently used in medical, food and automotive technology.

Engine damper

Engine dampers are elastic elements that absorb vibrations and shocks between the engine and the vehicle or machine frame. They reduce vibrations, protect adjacent components from stress and improve the noise and running behaviour of the entire system.

Silane crosslinking

Silane crosslinking is a moisture-controlled crosslinking process for plastics and elastomers that enables mechanical stability at moderate processing temperatures.

Residual materials

Residual materials are recyclable material residues from production that can be specifically collected and fed back into the production cycle to conserve resources.

Elongation at break

The elongation at break indicates how much a material can stretch under tensile load before it tears.

FVMQ: Fluorosilicone

FVMQ is a cold-flexible, fuel- and weather-resistant fluorosilicone elastomer that is primarily used in the aviation and automotive industries for demanding sealing applications.

FKM: Fluororubber

FKM is a heat- and chemical-resistant high-performance elastomer for seals and components in extremely demanding industrial applications.

Glass transition temperature

The glass transition temperature (Tg) is the temperature range in which a polymer changes from elastic to glassy and largely determines its low-temperature flexibility.

Rubber recycling

Rubber recycling includes mechanical, thermal and chemical processes for the reuse of vulcanised rubber products as raw materials or additives in new applications.

ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a robust, impact-resistant and easy-to-process plastic that is used for housings, interior parts and rubber-plastic composite components with high surface and dimensional stability requirements.

Rubber caps

Rubber caps reliably protect components from dust, moisture and mechanical impact.

EPDM: Ethylene propylene diene rubber

EPDM is a weather, UV and chemical-resistant elastomer with high thermal stability that is used in particular for durable seals, hoses and outdoor applications in industry and construction.

Titanium

Titanium is an extremely corrosion-resistant, lightweight and high-strength material that is used in aviation, medical technology and for rubber-metal composite parts in aggressive environments.

Valves

Valves control, throttle or shut off liquids and gases in pipework, motors and hydraulic systems. They are crucial for process reliability and efficiency.

PU: Polyurethane elastomer

PU elastomers are dimensionally stable, abrasion-resistant plastics with high mechanical strength that are ideal for rollers, seals and shock absorbers in heavy-duty industrial applications.

Adhesion promoter

Adhesion promoters are chemical bonding agents that permanently bond rubber with other materials and thus form the basis for resilient rubber composite parts.

Deburring

Deburring is the process of removing burrs from components to ensure the function, appearance and safety of technical products.

Mould cavity / cavity

Mould cavities are the cavities in a mould that give the component its final geometry during the moulding process.

Sealing lips

Sealing lips are flexible sealing elements that securely enclose media and remain reliably functional even in the event of rotation or pressure fluctuations.

Series production

Series production refers to the repeated, economical manufacture of similar components in large quantities.

Keyboard and switch covers

Keyboard and switch covers are elastic protective components that protect keys and operating elements from dust, moisture and dirt. At the same time, they maintain the operating function by transmitting the actuation feel and enabling reliable sealing.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a corrosion and temperature-resistant material that is used for durable, hygienic and mechanically resilient components in demanding technical applications.

HNBR: Hydrogenated NBR

HNBR is a particularly heat-, oil- and ageing-resistant elastomer that is ideal for durable seals and technical components in dynamically stressed applications.

Extrusion of rubber

Rubber extrusion is a continuous manufacturing process for rubber-elastic profiles, hoses and seals in which the material is pressed through a moulding die and then vulcanised.

Primer

Primers are adhesion-promoting primers that improve the adhesion between rubber, plastic or metal and ensure a permanent bond in composite and coating applications.

CFRP: Carbon fibre reinforced plastic

CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) is an ultra-light, extremely strong composite material made of carbon fibres and a plastic matrix that is used in highly stressed lightweight construction applications.

Toolmaking

In elastomer production, toolmaking refers to the development and manufacture of high-precision tools that are used in the production of rubber, plastic and composite parts for moulding.

DIN ISO 3302-1

DIN ISO 3302-1 defines the general tolerances for moulded rubber parts and is an international standard for ensuring dimensional accuracy in elastomer processing.

Burr formation

Burr formation occurs in primary forming processes due to material escaping from mould parting surfaces and joints during forming and requires targeted reworking to ensure component quality.

Calendering

Calendering is a rolling process in which rubber or plastic compounds are rolled between heated rollers. In addition to the manufacture of finished products such as rubber mats, it is primarily used in the production of rubber blanks.

NBR: Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber

Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is an oil and fuel-resistant elastomer that is frequently used for seals, hoses and technical moulded parts in mechanical engineering and vehicle construction.

Elastomer rollers

Rubber rollers transmit forces, dampen vibrations and protect surfaces in printing machines, conveyor systems and packaging lines.

PA: Polyamide

Polyamide (PA) is a robust, wear-resistant plastic with very good strength and chemical resistance, which is used in particular in technical components and rubber-plastic composite systems.

Suction pad

Suction cups are cup-shaped suction cups made of elastomer or plastic that cling elastically to the surface and trap the resulting vacuum. Suction cups create an adhesive connection between the gripper and the workpiece by means of negative pressure.

Elasticity

Elasticity is the ability of a material to deform under load and then return completely to its original shape - essential for flexible technical components.

Transfer moulding

Transfer moulding is a rubber moulding process in which the material is pressed from a heated chamber into a closed mould where it is cross-linked under pressure and temperature - ideal for precise components with inserts.

RoHS

RoHS restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment in order to reduce environmental and health risks. Products may only be sold in the EU if all components comply with the specified limits for listed hazardous substances.

Rebound resilience

Rebound resilience describes the ability of a material to return energy after rapid deformation - crucial for dynamic applications such as spring elements or dampers.

Rubber expansion joints

Rubber expansion joints are flexible connecting elements that compensate for movements, vibrations and pressure surges in pipework. Thanks to their elastic structure, they can absorb changes in length, lateral displacements and angular movements and thus protect connected system components from mechanical stress, vibrations and tension in the pipework system.

ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is the world's most important standard for quality management. It defines how companies manage their processes so that products and services deliver consistently high quality and fulfil customer requirements.

Biocompatibility

The proof of biocompatibility proves through standardised tests that a medical device or material does not cause any harmful reactions in the human body.

Compression moulding

Compression moulding is a process for manufacturing moulded rubber parts in which a rubber compound is compressed under pressure and heat in a closed mould and vulcanised directly.

FDA conformity

FDA compliance means that a material or product meets the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is safe for contact with food, drinking water or pharmaceutical applications. Only approved ingredients may be used and the material must not release any substances of concern into the medium.

Rubber-fabric composite parts

Rubber-fabric composite parts are elastic components with integrated fabric inserts that ensure high tensile strength, dimensional stability and dynamic load-bearing capacity - for example in membranes, seals or conveyor belts.

Caoutchouc vs. rubber vs. elastomer

Rubber is the raw material, rubber is the end product created by vulcanisation, and elastomer is the superordinate material class of elastic polymers.

Rubber-Plastic Composite Parts

Rubber-plastic composite parts are hybrid components in which elastic and thermoplastic components are functionally combined - ideal for seals, housings and flexible technical solutions.

PPS: Polyphenylene sulphide

Polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) is a high-temperature and chemical-resistant precision plastic that is used in media-exposed and dimensionally critical components, especially in hybrid solutions.

HTV silicone: High-temperature curing solid silicone

HTV silicone is a high-temperature curing solid silicone rubber that becomes a permanently elastic material when heated. It combines high mechanical strength with excellent resistance to temperature, ageing and chemicals.

ISO 13485

ISO 13485 explained: an overview of the requirements, areas of application and benefits of certification for medical technology.

Assembly Services

Component assembly comprises the assembly of individual components into a functional unit as an assembly.

Vibratory finishing (barrel finishing)

Mass finishing or barrel finishing is a mechanical mass finishing process in which surfaces are machined and burrs removed using abrasive media and movement.

Cold resistance

Cold resistance describes the ability of a material to remain functional and elastic at low temperatures - crucial for seals and elastomer components in outdoor or cold applications.

Copolymerisation

Copolymerisation is the simultaneous polymerisation of different monomers to produce polymers with specifically adjustable properties for technical and industrial applications.

Synthetic rubber

Synthetic rubber is an industrially manufactured elastomer material that is categorised into main chemical groups and whose properties can be specifically adapted to technical requirements.

LSR: Liquid silicone

LSR is a liquid silicone rubber produced on a VMQ or FVMQ basis and processed by injection moulding. The material combines high elasticity, purity and temperature resistance.

Vulcanisation

Vulcanisation is the process in which raw rubber is converted into a permanently elastic, dimensionally stable and durable rubber state through chemical cross-linking.

IIR: Butyl rubber

Butyl rubber (IIR) is a particularly gas-tight, weather- and chemical-resistant elastomer that is mainly used in tyres, seals and membranes.

Molded Rubber Parts

Moulded rubber parts are elastic components made from vulcanised rubber by pressing, transfer moulding or injection moulding. They are manufactured according to drawings and are used as sealing, damping or functional elements in technical applications.

Sulphur crosslinking

Sulphur crosslinking is a proven vulcanisation process in which rubber is crosslinked with the aid of sulphur to form an elastic, dimensionally stable and mechanically resilient material.

CR: Chloroprene rubber

Chloroprene rubber (CR) is a versatile, weather- and flame-resistant elastomer that is often used for seals, hoses and technical components for indoor and outdoor use and is also known as neoprene.

PC: Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent, impact-resistant plastic that is used for high-quality housings, visible parts and functional composite components.

Aramid / Kevlar

Aramid / Kevlar is an extremely tensile, lightweight and heat-resistant fibre that is used as reinforcement in rubber composite parts, sealing systems and protective applications.

Inserts

Inserts are solid components that are embedded in rubber components during processing in order to specifically extend their functionality, stability or fastening options.

brass

Brass is an easily machinable, corrosion-resistant copper-zinc alloy that is widely used as a functional and decorative metal - including in rubber-metal composite parts, fittings and electrical components.

Rubber-Metal Composite Parts

Rubber-metal composite parts are mechanically stable components in which elastomer and metal are inseparably combined - ideal for bearings, dampers and technical sealing systems.

NR: Natural rubber

Natural rubber (NR) is a highly elastic, tear-resistant elastomer made from renewable raw materials that is primarily used in dynamically stressed components such as tyres, dampers and conveyor belts.

Polymerisation

Polymerisation is the chemical reaction in which many monomers are combined to form long polymer chains - the basis for plastics and rubber elastomers.

Seals

Seals prevent leaks in pipework, motor and system components. They also compensate for manufacturing tolerances and protect processes against pressure, temperature and media stress.

Saturated and unsaturated polymers

Saturated polymers have only single bonds in the main chain and are resistant to ageing, while unsaturated polymers contain double bonds in the main chain and are easier to crosslink; EPDM is a speciality because its double bond is in the side chain.

Tempering

Annealing is a thermal post-treatment that reduces residual stresses, stabilises material properties and improves the functionality of technical components.

Ageing

Ageing describes the gradual change in material properties due to external influences such as heat, UV radiation or media, which can lead to long-term impairment of function and service life.

Elongation

Elongation refers to the change in length of a material under tensile load and is a key parameter for assessing the elasticity and breaking strength of technical materials.

Autoclaves

An autoclave is a heatable pressure vessel for the thermal treatment of materials - e.g. for the post-vulcanisation of elastomers or for sterilisation in medicine and technology.

Metal oxide crosslinking

Metal oxide crosslinking is a crosslinking process that is mainly used for chloroprene rubber and produces particularly durable, ageing and flame-resistant rubber parts.

Pressure resistance

Pressure resistance is the resistance of a material to compressive stress and is a decisive factor for the function and service life of technical components under mechanical stress.

Shaft seal

A shaft seal is a sealing element that seals between a rotating shaft and a housing. It prevents lubricants from escaping and at the same time protects against dirt, dust and moisture.

RTV silicone: Room temperature curing solid silicone

RTV silicone is a room temperature curing silicone rubber that cures without heat or pressure. It is particularly suitable for sealing, bonding, potting and mould making and is less strong and temperature-resistant than HTV and LSR.

Valve seal

A valve seal is an elastic component that reliably seals the flow of gases or liquids in a valve. The seal prevents leaks, compensates for pressure and temperature changes and ensures that the valve fulfils its switching, control or shut-off function reliably and permanently.

Fillers

Fillers are functional additives in rubber or plastic compounds that specifically influence mechanical properties, processability or cost structure.

Bellows

A bellows is an elastic component with a corrugated, accordion-like geometry that absorbs movements, changes in length or swivelling movements without losing its protective or sealing function. It protects sensitive components such as joints, shafts or guides from dirt and moisture and at the same time enables a flexible, permanently movable connection.

Plasticiser

Plasticisers are additives that make rubber and plastics more elastic and easier to process and are mainly used in flexible sealing and moulded parts.

Structural steel: S235 and S355

Structural steel (S235, S355) is a robust, easily weldable construction steel that is used as a stable carrier material in load-bearing structures, machine components and rubber-metal composite parts.

Profile seal

A profile seal is a seal with a defined cross-sectional shape (round, rectangular, hollow or with a complex profile) that ensures a seal between two components. It is made from elastomers and is used wherever gaps, movements or unevenness need to be compensated for.

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 explained: an overview of the requirements, areas of application and benefits of the international standard for environmental management systems.

Abrasion

Abrasion is the mechanically induced surface wear of a material caused by friction and has a decisive influence on the service life and usability of technical components.

Compound

A compound is a customised material mixture of polymer and additives that is specifically tailored to the requirements of a particular technical application.

Fatigue

Fatigue refers to the progressive degradation of material due to repeated mechanical stress and is a key factor in the design of durable technical components.

IRHD hardness (International Rubber Hardness Degree / ball indentation hardness)

IRHD hardness is an internationally standardised method for measuring rubber hardness using ball pressure and is particularly suitable for small or sensitive elastomer components.

Polyurethane (PU)

Polyurethane (PU) is a robust, abrasion-resistant plastic with high elasticity and chemical resistance, which is primarily used in heavily loaded technical components, dampers and composite solutions.

Rubber

Rubber is an elastic material of natural or synthetic origin that is vulcanised into durable components for sealing, damping and technical applications.

Outgassing

Outgassing is the escape of volatile substances from materials and can lead to malfunctions, contamination or optical faults in sensitive applications.

Express Services

Express production refers to the particularly fast production of prototypes, tools or small batches and accelerated development projects with drastically reduced delivery times.

Grommets

Grommets are ring- or disc-shaped protective inserts that are inserted into openings or edges to allow cables to pass through safely. Grommets protect cables and hoses from sharp edges, seal feed-throughs and can be quickly inserted into holes or gaps.

Sampling

In engineering, sampling is the testing and approval of sample parts of a new or revised product or manufacturing process.

Stress cracking

Stress cracking is the gradual formation of cracks in plastics due to the interaction of stress and chemical media - often with critical consequences for component safety.

Rapid tooling

Rapid tooling is the accelerated production of functional tools for the rapid production of prototypes or small series under near-series conditions.

PES: Polyester

Polyester (PES) is a robust, chemical-resistant thermoplastic that is used both as an engineering plastic and as a fabric reinforcement in rubber composite parts.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material with high thermal conductivity that is used in a variety of ways as a construction material and support element in technical components.

EN 9100

EN 9100 explained: an overview of the requirements, areas of application and benefits of certification for the aviation, aerospace and defence industries.

Tool cleaning

Tool cleaning ensures reliable, clean moulding, protects against burr formation and extends the service life of tools in series production.

Shore hardness

The Shore hardness measures how deeply a test pin penetrates a material and thus provides information about its degree of hardness - a decisive factor in the selection of elastic and technical materials.

Oil resistance

Oil-resistant materials permanently withstand aggressive oils and are used in seals, hoses and technical components.

TPE: Thermoplastic elastomers

TPEs are elastic, malleable materials with rubber-like behaviour that can be thermally processed and recycled like plastics - ideal for flexible seals, handles and hybrid parts.

Medical device regulation (MDR)

The Medical Device Regulation (MDR) is the central EU regulation for medical devices, which places high demands on safety, documentation and market surveillance.

Crosslinking chemicals

Cross-linking chemicals ensure the permanent elasticity and dimensional stability of rubber through chemical reaction - a key component in the production of functional rubber parts.

Vibration dampers

Vibration dampers reduce vibrations and noise in machines and vehicles.

Degreasing

Degreasing is an essential cleaning step for removing residues from components to ensure optimum adhesion during vulcanisation, bonding or coating.

PP: Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight, chemical-resistant thermoplastic with a wide range of applications that is ideal for technical plastic parts and rubber-plastic composite solutions.

CAD modelling

CAD modelling is the digital design of technical components and tools that serves as the basis for production, simulation and prototype development in industry.

GRP: Glass fibre reinforced plastic

GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic) is a robust, lightweight composite material made from glass fibres and a plastic matrix that is used in a wide range of applications in industry, construction and mobility.

Cycle time

The cycle time describes the complete duration of a production run during injection moulding or pressing and is a key parameter for efficiency and output.

Housing and cover with integrated seal

Housings and covers with integrated seals are components in which the sealing function is embedded directly in the plastic or metal part. The sealing function is usually realised as an overmoulded or pressed-in rubber sealing lip. They enable reliable sealing without a separate sealing component and are often used for compact, easy-to-install assemblies.