III. Polyethylene as cable insulation

IN THE SPRING of 1942, the United States Navy requested Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corporation to produce polyethylene resin, required for one of the most urgent war applications, coaxial-cable insulation. Prior to that time, the laboratories of its associated company, The Linde Air Products Company, had done some experimental work with high-pressure synthesis, and they proceeded to apply this knowledge to the making of polyethylene resin. A year from the date that the experimental work was started for the Navy, a plant had been built and was producing at 180 per cent of the rated capacity. In the short space of two years, all the problems on development, engineering, and operation of the plant were brought to a point where the Navy's requirements for coaxial-cable insulation could be met. The vital role which this insulation plays in military operations undoubtedly will be brought to light at cessation of hostilities.