Effect of γ Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of Low Density Polyethylene

Tensile and square samples (for ultrasonic measurements) were manufactured in situ from low density polyethlene (LDPE) pellets. Both sets of samples were exposed to γ radiation up to 300 Mrad before being tasted. The strength parameters (tensile strength and sonic modulus) exhibit a minimum for samples irradiated at 20 Mrad, where the perturbation and loss of crystallinity override the effect of cross-linking. Between 20 and 100 Mrad the effects of cross-linking and crystallinity are prevailing, after which (<100 Mrad) oxidative degradation dominates .(authors) 16 refs., 5 figs