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cross-linkage

chemistry
Also known as: interlinkage

Quick Summary

In chemistry, cross-links are atoms or groups that connect parallel chains within complex molecules, such as polymers. The process of forming these connections is known as cross-linkage.12

In the context of industrial polymers, diene monomers like butadiene, isoprene, and chloroprene are polymerized. These polymers are then converted into thermosetting elastomeric network polymers through a process called cross-linking or vulcanization. A common method for this is adding sulfur to the heated polymer. Even a small number of cross-links give the polymer elastic properties, allowing it to be stretched. The cross-links prevent the molecules from sliding past each other, enabling the material to return to its original shape when tension is released.3

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