Change of mechanical properties of inhibited polyethylene samples during oxidation, initiated by x-ray radiation

Abstract

During the radiation oxidation of polyethylene the inhibitor prevents any change in the original mechanical characteristics over time t> π, which is changed in inverse proportion to the radiation dose level. On radiation oxidation of polyethylene over time t> π the relative tensile elongation is decreased in direct proportion to t or the absorbed dose. The time t 0.5, corresponding to a 50% decrease in the relative tensile elongation depends on the dose level in accordance with the equation t 0.5− π= QP −0.5, where Q is a proportionality factor, which depends on the rate constants for chain propagation and termination, and the yield of oxygen-containing groups in the chain propagation reaction.