Studies on polyethylene pellets modified by low dose radiation prior to part formation

When it is combined with other processing steps, radiation modification of polyethylene pellets prior to conversion into end products (formed parts) has brought about significant improvement of various properties of the polymers and products made from them despite the low cross-linking degree. The physical and chemical changes of the polymers after the radiation modification by electron beam (EB) and gamma ray at low dose levels are studied using various characterizations. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the formation of carbonyl groups and changes of unsaturated bonds. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results indicated broadening of the molecular weight distribution. Rheological analysis in linear visco-elasticity regime showed increased dynamic viscosity and large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) analysis showed increased hysteresis. It is proposed that the radiation at low dose levels and under ambient conditions induces various reactions on the polymer chains including long chain branching, oxidation and changes of unsaturated bonds.