Thermal and mechanical properties of LLDPE cross-linked with gamma radiation

The influence of gamma irradiation on the thermal and mechanical properties of LLDPE has been investigated. DSC analyses showed differences between th e first and second scan. TGA analyses showed that gamma irradiation cross-l inking improves the thermal stability of LLDPE. Gamma irradiation also stro ngly influences the mechanical properties. Young's modulus increases with a n increase in radiation dose, though cross-linking does not have a signific ant influence on the yield stress. Elongation at yield, elongation at break and stress at break depend strongly on the radiation dose. SEM demonstrate s a difference in mechanisms of rupture. In LLDPE cross-linked with 150 and 250 kGy radiation crazes are formed as a consequence of tensile stress. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.