Radiation effects on polyethylene foam

Studies have been carried out on radiation effects on open cell type polyethylene foam. The foam was irradiated with electron beam either in nitrogen atmosphere or in air and changes of strength, elongation, and gel fraction were measured. The gel-percent of the original foam (50%) increased by 30% after irradiation in nitrogen, while strength measured at room temperature, 70, and 100degC did not change by the irradiation. However, elongation measured at 70 and 100degC decreased considerably and dimension stability above 70degC was also improved. (author)