Effect of γ‐Irradiation on the Physicochemical Properties of LDPE/HCB and LDPE/iPP/HCB Composites

ABSTRACTThe influence of γ‐irradiation dose and the concentration of hexachlorobutadiene (HCB) on the thermal and mechanical properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and LDPE/isotactic polypropylene (iPP) blends have been investigated. Gel fraction, mechanical properties, and morphological evolution of gamma‐irradiated LDPE/HCB and LDPE/iPP/HCB composites were studied. The gel content of LDPE/HCB samples increased with increasing irradiation dose from 150 to 350 kGy and then it slightly decreased at higher irradiation dose (600 kGy). On the other hand, the gel content of LDPE/iPP/HCB (100/0/3, 80/20/3, and 50/50/3 wt%) composites increased gradually with increasing irradiation dose. For LDPE/HCB composites, the tensile strength increases gradually with increasing either the irradiation dose or HCB content. The tensile strength of LDPE/iPP/HCB blend formulations increased with increasing either the irradiation dose or iPP content. The addition of iPP to the LDPE matrix increased the thermal temperature parameters of composites as well as the incorporation of the HCB agent. The thermal stability of LDPE/iPP/HCB composites is higher than that of LDPE/HCB.