Hypalon

Hypalon (chem. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene , abbreviation CSM ) is a registered trademark of DuPont Performance Elastomers for a high-quality, extremely durable elastomer . It is UV , temperature and aging resistant and tear-proof, but not gas-tight. This makes it weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use and also for the outer layers of multi-layer hoses. Hypalon is used as a common name for CSM, although DuPont is not the only manufacturer of CSMs. The Japanese company Tosoh offers CSM under the names Toso-CSM and extos .

Due to low demand, DuPont discontinued Hypalon production in 2010.

processing

CSM is vulcanized with metal oxides such as magnesium oxide , lead (II) oxide or zinc oxide to achieve optimal properties , whereby the chlorides of the metals are formed. Bridges made of metal ions and oxygen atoms are formed between the polymer chains .

commitment

Architecture and civil engineering

Hall with Hypalon roof: Steven F. Udvar-Házy Center

Tarpaulins and foils are made from Hypalon, which are used in water reservoirs for both the waterproof cladding of the pool and as a floating membrane that acts as an evaporation barrier. Hypalon also serves as a light roofing material for halls. An example of such a roof is the Steven F. Udvar-Házy Hall of the National Air and Space Museum .

Leisure area

In water sports it is used in the form of a paint as a corrosion protection layer for rigid hull boats. In connection with a carrier fabric, Hypalon is processed by Continental into technical fabrics that are used for the construction of folding and inflatable boats (e.g. model Zephyr from DSB , boats from Klepper and Gugel) and life rafts . In addition, Hypalon is used in the leisure sector for backpacks and, together with neoprene, for the production of neoprene suits. Projection screens are also made from CSM.

Industry

Packard Caribbean hardtop from 1956. The fixed metal roof was covered with white Hypalon as standard.

Hypalon is used in many ways in industry. Since Hypalon remains handy and non-slip when wet, knife handles are made from it. It is used as an insulating material for cables carrying electricity with the DIN / VDE designation 6G. Since particularly toxic gases are generated when the material is burned and problematic lead compounds, which are used as additives, are released, the production and use of the plastic has been significantly reduced.

Web links

• Hypalon is no longer manufactured by Dupont on the Anixter.com homepage.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Entry on chlorosulfonated polyethylene. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on January 13, 2019.