Comparison of radiation-induced and thermal oxidative aging of polyethylene in the presence of inhibitors

Thermal oxidative and radiation-induced oxidative aging of inhibited polyethylene of commercial brands with known properties was studied at 60, 80 and 140 deg C. Radiation-induced oxidative aging was carried out under X-ray radiation with Emax = 25 keV at dose rates providing specimen oxidation in kinetic conditions. The value of activation energy of thermal oxidative destruction of inhibited polyethylene under natural conditions of its employment at 60-140 deg C (Ea = 60 kJ/mol) was obtained by comparison of data for radiation-induced and thermal oxidative destruction