Thermal and mechanical properties of LLDPE cross-linked with gamma radiation

The influence of gamma irradiation on the thermal and mechanical properties of LLDPE has been investigated. DSC analyses showed differences between the first and second scan. TGA analyses showed that gamma irradiation cross-linking improves the thermal stability of LLDPE. Gamma irradiation also strongly influences the mechanical properties. Young's modulus increases with an increase in radiation dose, though cross-linking does not have a significant influence on the yield stress. Elongation at yield, elongation at break and stress at break depend strongly on the radiation dose. SEM demonstrates a difference in mechanisms of rupture. In LLDPE cross-linked with 150 and 250 kGy radiation crazes are formed as a consequence of tensile stress. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.