Improvement in the degradation resistance of LDPE for radiochemical processing

The effect of rosemary extract on radiochemical stability of low density polyethylene was studied by chemiluminescence, FT-IR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry after γ(137Cs)-irradiation at processing low doses (10 and 20 kGy) in respect of pristine material. The additive concentrations (1, 2 and 5 wt%) induced a significant improvement in radiation stability, especially at high temperatures, for example 200 °C, which is proved chiefly by lower values of chemiluminescence intensities. The comparison of neat and rosemary-modified LDPE samples has revealed the protection action of this natural extract, which delays efficiently the propagation of oxidative degradation in γ-exposed polyethylene. The most evident proof for antioxidative protection efficiency promoted by rosemary is the smooth changes in hydroxyl and carbonyl indexes calculated on LDPE/5 wt% rosemary samples at all exposure doses. - Highlights: • .Rosemary extract is a good antirad agent. • .LDPE is highly stabilized by rosemary extract. • The extension of its application to other irradiated polyolefins would be beneficial for human health. • The descendants of basic components such as rosemary active compounds also present antioxidant activities. • Radiation processing of LDPE protected with rosemary extract does not affect the oxidation state of material