Cross-Linking of materials

Chemical cross-linkers are chemicals that link two different molecules, typically polymer chains together to form larger complex molecules.

Onto® cross-linking species are materials that contain multiple reactive head groups per cross-linking molecule. Schematically shown below

Onto® cross-linker with three reactive head groups

The Onto® cross-linker can be chemically designed to be compatible with specific chemical formulations including polymer blends and suspensions. Once a compatible cross-linker has been designed then simple chemical mixing/formulation can be used to form a homogeneous mix of chemical formulation and cross-linker. Curing is then achieved by heating, or by UV activation to cross-link formulation.

The scheme below shows the simple processing steps required to cross-link two polymer chains