The polyethylene used as the insulating material is particularly well suited to the task since it is highly resistant to electrical damage and is easy to work.
However, the main weakness of polyethylene is its poor resistance to heat.
This can result in severe damage to wiring caused by the heat from soldering or heat varnishing, or when a mechanical problem results in machinery overheating.
So, when the conventional molecular structure of the polyethylene is irradiated using an electr on beam...
...hydrogen molecules are driven off and adjacent carbon atoms form three-dimensional bonds to build a mesh structure.
This process is called "cross-linking".
This cross-linking technique bonds the atoms together in a stable shape. This has the effect of making the material more resistant to heat.
Sumitomo Electric is recognized worldwide as the first Japanese company to develop this technology.
