The influence of radiation dose in composites of HDPE-silica films onto mechanical properties

High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a well-known polymer used in manufacture industry to fabricate several products, such as packages, toys, bottles, films and container among others. These applications is due to its crystalline structure that is more dense than the others types of polyethylene, beyond the advantages like nontoxic, recyclable, chemical and mechanical resistance, support high temperature and aggressive environment. HDPE is also known for the tendency to crosslinking when submitted to radiation (electron beam, UV visible and gamma radiation). The unmodified and modified films were evaluated by X-ray fluorescence, thermal analysis, mechanical tests and swelling degree. The objective of this work is verifying the influence of different doses in HDPE-silica composite regarding mechanical and chemical resistance. (author)