Hypalon

Hypalon is a chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM) noted for its resistance to chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light. It was a product of DuPont Performance Elastomers, a subsidiary of DuPont.[1]

Chemical structure

Polyethylene is treated with a mixture of chlorine and sulfur dioxide under UV-radiation. The product contains 20-40% chlorine. The polymer also contains a few percent chlorosulfonyl (ClSO2-) groups. These reactive groups allow for vulcanization, which strongly affects the physical durability of the products. An estimated 110,000 tons/y were produced in 1991.[1]

Uses

Along with PVC, CSM is one of the most common materials used to make inflatable boats and folding kayaks.[2] It is also used as a single-ply roofing membrane[3] and as a surface coat material on radomes owing to its radar-transparent quality. Hypalon is also used in the construction of the decking of modern snowshoes, replacing neoprene as a lighter, stronger alternative.

A manufacturer of motorcycle panniers describes hypalon as follows:

Hypalon is an extremely durable and waterproof performance elastomer utilized in products designed for extreme use; such as whitewater rafts, containment suits, and other outdoor equipment. The material is a very versatile polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM) noted for its resistance to chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light.[4]

The Hypalon trademark has become the common name for all kinds of CSM regardless of manufacturer. Tosoh Corporation of Japan produces CSM under the trade names Toso-CSM and extos.

DuPont Performance Elastomers announced on May 7, 2009, that it intended to close its manufacturing plant in Beaumont, Texas, by June 30, 2009. This was DPE's sole plant for CSM materials. The company was therefore exiting the business for Hypalon and its related product, Acsium.[5] The plant closure was delayed until April 20, 2010, in response to customer requests.

References
  1. Happ, Michael; Duffy, John; Wilson, G. J.; Pask, Stephen D.; Buding, Hartmuth; Ostrowicki, Andreas (2011). "Rubber, 8. Synthesis by Polymer Modification". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.o23_o05.
  2. PVC vs Hypalon (CSM) from Inflatableboatworks, Portland, Oregon
  3. "Where Is Hypalon Among Today's Roofing Options?". www.buildings.com. Retrieved 2018-06-14.
  4. Motobags at LoneRider
  5. Dupont Hypalon operations have ceased.
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