Crosslinking

Description

The formation of chemical bonds between groups in organic molecules. Crosslinking occurs during curing in thermosetting polymers producing an infusible, often insoluble polymer. Drying oils oxidize and crosslink on curing. In keratins, the polypeptide chains are crosslinked by the disulfide bonds of cystine. In the vulcanization process, sulfur is used to crosslink and stabilize rubber. Cellulose is crosslinked with dimethylol carbamate to produce permanent press cotton textiles.

Synonyms and Related Terms

entrecruzamiento (Esp.); réticulation (Fr.); reticolazione (It.); reacção de reticulação (Port.)