Crosslinking of recycled polyethylene by gamma irradiation in the presenceof sensitizers

Recycled and pristine low-density polyethylene samples were crosslinked by Co-60 gamma rays in the presence of two commercial sensitizers : trimethylo lpropanetriacrylate (TMPTA) and trimethylolpropanetrimethacrylate (TMPTMA), and another laboratory-synthesized sensitizer, hexakisalylaminocyclotripho sphazatrine (HAAP). The gel per cent and radiochemical yields for crosslink ing and degradation were determined for both recycled and pristine polyethy lene. TMPTA was found to be the most efficient sensitizer. The gel dose did not change significantly with different sensitizers. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.