chlorinated polyethylene

chemical compound

Also known as: CM

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June 24, 2026

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Chlorinated polyethylene (CM) is a modified form of polyethylene, a versatile plastic derived from the polymerization of ethylene. To create CM, polyethylene is reacted with chlorine or with chlorine and sulfur dioxide. This process introduces chlorine or chlorosulfonyl groups along the polymer chains.12

The resulting material is nearly noncrystalline and elastic, behaving like a rubber. The chlorine content provides some flame resistance and resistance to swelling by hydrocarbon oils. CM and its related compound, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), are primarily used for hoses, belts, heat-resistant seals, and coated fabrics due to their resistance to oxidation and ozone attack.1

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major industrial polymers
Polyethylene (PE)
Such modifications result in chlorinated polyethylene (CM) or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), a virtually noncrystalline and elastic material. In a process similar to vulcanization, cross-linking of the molecules can be effected through the chlorine or chlorosulfonyl groups, making the material into a rubbery solid. Because their main polymer chains are…
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Such modifications result in chlorinated polyethylene (CM) or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), a virtually noncrystalline and elastic material. In a process similar to vulcanization, cross-linking of the molecules can be effected through the chlorine or chlorosulfonyl groups, making the material into a rubbery solid. Because their main polymer chains are…
Read More