Effect of electron beam radiation on the polypropylene/polyethylene blends: Radiation stabilization of polypropylene

The effect of incorporation of polyethylene in the polypropylene matrix, on the radiation sensitivity of polypropylene, has been investigated. The changes in the properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, Shore D hardness, density and melt flow index were monitored as function of polyethylene content and electron beam radiation dose. A correlation between the mechanical properties and morphology of the irradiated polymeric blends has been observed, which has been explained on the basis of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction studies. Improvement in the mechanical properties of the polypropylene, irradiated to an optimum electron beam dose, could be achieved by blending it with polyethylene >20%. The optimum radiation dose was found to be dependent on blend composition and morphology, however, an absorbed dose of 250 kGy found to be effective enough to ensure good mechanical properties of the polypropylene/polyethylene blends.