[2025 Tech Brief] Guoneng New Materials – Successful trial run of the controllably cross-linked polyethylene project
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Recently, the industrial production facility for 11,000 tons per year of new functional materials, which was invested and constructed by Guoneng New Materials under the **Energy Group and EPC-managed by Sinochem Guilin, a company affiliated with China National Chemical Equipment Corporation, has successfully completed its mechanical construction, process unit commissioning, and trial operation with feedstock input. This marks the official entry of this new material production project into the production preparation phase.
As a key project of the **energy group in the field of high-end new materials, this production facility utilizes the controlled cross-linked polyethylene technology developed by Guoneng New Materials (which holds independent intellectual property rights). This technology effectively solves key industry problems associated with traditional processes, such as defects in the products resulting from premature cross-linking, as well as insufficient performance due to inadequate cross-linking levels. The performance of the related products is at the top level in China and among the best in the world.
Polyethylene is one of the most widely used plastic resins; due to its structural characteristics, it often cannot withstand high temperatures and has insufficient mechanical strength, which limits its use in many fields. To improve the properties of polyethylene, modification is necessary; polyethylene is cross-linked, forming a three-dimensional network structure through covalent bonds between its molecules, which rapidly enhances the properties of the polyethylene resin.
Polyethylene (PE) crosslinking technology is one of the important methods for improving its material properties. PE that has been modified through cross-linking can see a significant improvement in its properties. Not only are its mechanical properties, resistance to environmental stress cracking, chemical corrosion, creep resistance, and electrical properties all enhanced markedly, but its temperature resistance also increases considerably – the heat resistance of PE can be raised from 70°C to over 100°C, thereby greatly expanding the range of applications for PE.
Founded in 2015, Guoneng New Materials is the first innovation platform for independent technology development established by a research institute under an **energy group. It focuses on the transformation of advanced material technologies and the development of high-end applications, providing systematic material solutions for areas such as lightweight aerospace and military equipment, high-performance marine equipment, chemical processing equipment, large-scale construction vehicles, and low-carbon new energy technologies.
At present, this series of cross-linked polyethylene materials has been exported to Europe, the United States, and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. It is included in the \"Catalogue of Intellectual Property Transformations in the National Defense Science, Technology and Industry\" as well as the \"Catalogue of Scientific and Technological Innovation Achievements of Central State-Owned Enterprises\", and its core patents have won the Silver Award for Chinese Patents.
Establishing a controllable cross-linked network between polyethylene molecular chains through chemical or physical means is a key feature of such materials. Precise control of the crosslinking density, distribution uniformity, and reaction conditions (such as initiator concentration and temperature gradient) directly determines the final performance metrics of the material.
The molecular chain crosslinking structure significantly enhances three key properties of the material: 1) thermal stability (crosslinks prevent molecular chain sliding)； 2) Anti-creep property (three-dimensional network resistance to sustained stress) ； 3) Chemical resistance (the cross-linked barrier reduces solvent penetration). These properties enable it to maintain structural integrity in harsh environments.
In the power sector: The insulation layers of medium and high-voltage cables must withstand both electrical field stress and mechanical tension, and the dielectric strength along with toughness of cross-linked polyethylene meet these requirements perfectly；
Piping engineering: Anti-corrosion coatings, thanks to their resistance to acids and alkalis, can effectively extend the lifespan of underground piping systems；
Special packaging: Heat-shrink film achieves a tight seal by relying on the memory effect of its cross-linked structure.