Effects of high-energy electron beam on low-density polyethylene materials containing EVA

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 92; no. 2; pp. 1049 - 1052
• Main Authors: Salehi, S. M. A., Mirjalili, G., Amrollahi, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.04.2004; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; crosslinking; Crosslinking and degradation; electron beam irradiation; Exact sciences and technology; gel content; LDPE-EVA compounds; Physicochemistry of polymers; polyethylene (PE); Polymers and radiations; Polymer blends; Crosslink density; polyethylene (PE); Electron beam; Mechanical properties; Composition effect; LDPE-EVA compounds; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Radiochemical crosslinking; Thermal properties; Structure processing relationship; EVA; Radiation dose; High energy radiation; Low density ethylene polymer; electron beam irradiation; crosslinking; gel content
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.20079

A series of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) blends with different amounts of ethylene–vinyl–acetate (EVA) was prepared and irradiated with 10 MeV electron beam in the range of 0–250 kGy at room temperature in air. EVA was used as a compatibilizer and softener in four different amounts: 5, 10, 20, and 30 wt %, based on polyethylene (PE). The crosslinking of the samples was studied on the basis of gel‐content measurements as well as some thermal and mechanical properties of the specimens. The results indicated that the LDPE and LDPE–EVA blends could be crosslinked by a high‐energy electron beam, of which their thermal and mechanical properties changed effectively, however, because of EVA content of the polymer; the blends were more sensitive to lower doses of radiation. These studies were carried out to obtain a suitable compound for heat‐shrinkable tubes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 1049–1052, 2004