What is Cross Linked Shrink Film?
What is Cross Linked Shrink Film? Cross linking polymers was discovered when inventors were searching to find a way to stabilize rubber in the mid 1800's. Charles Goodyear discovered vulcanized rubber after years of research. The main objective was to stabilize natural rubber from distorting in heat. The result was Goodyear accidentally melted rubber and sulfur on a hot stove. The combination of the two allowed the rubber to withstand higher heats. Unknown to Goodyear at the time, the heated sulfur and rubber changed the polymer chains within the rubber. The changed polymer chains were cross linked to form a stronger, more durable material. Since the invention of vulcanization, the advancements in cross linking have changed tremendously. Cross linking can be achieved with a variety of chemical additives referred to a chemical cross linking or with irradiation. The most common form of cross linking used for flexible packaging materials is irradiated cro...