Low Tension Cables

XLPE translates to cross-linked polyethylene or vulcanized polyethylene and basically consists of low density polyethylene. Ideally, Polyethylene is a thermoplastic substance made up of long string of hydrocarbon molecules. While the temperature picks up, these molecules have a tendency to move relatively close and hence the material becomes increasingly deformable and it would melt at the temperature around 100-110°C.

The polyethylene molecules are cross-linked by a process similar to the vulcanization of rubber. This process of cross-linking is like producing chemical bonds at certain interval between the long molecular chain to give a “ladder” like effect, it ideally prevents slippage between molecules. Subsequently, the material turns heat resistant and does not diminish or melt at higher temperatures providing better resistance to stress cracking and good resistance to ageing in hot air. Moreover, these structural changes do not have any undesirable outcome on the electrical properties.