Thermomechanical behaviour of stabilized polyethylene irradiated with gamma rays

The moduli of elasticity at 150 C for irradiated linear low density and low density polyethylenes, pure and with 0.5% antioxidants were determined using the penetration technique. Simultaneously, on similar samples, the gel content was measured. Analysing the radiation parameters and comparing data derived from the two methods the efficiency of radiation crosslinking of different polyethylenes and the effect of antioxidants is discussed. (author)