Abstract
It was previously found that upon exposure to high energy radiation, linear polyethylenes experience an increase in the degree of crystallinity [1]. The increase continued monotonically with ageing time [2]. To gain a better understanding of these unexpected results the present paper examines the effects in physical blends of ultra-high molecular weight polyethelyne (UHMW PE) and conventional high density polyethylene (HDPE). No synergistic effects were observed in the blends, but the analysis of the thermal and tensile yield stress data provides some insight into the phenomenon. It provides support for the explanation involving radiation-induced chain-scission followed by recrystallization, and suggests that the chain-scission does not continue with time after initial irradiation.
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Bhateja, S.K., Andrews, E.H. Radiation-induced crystallinity changes in polyethylene blends. J Mater Sci 20, 2839–2845 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00553046
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00553046