Effect of Ultraviolet Irradiation on Structure and Properties of HDPE and HDPE/STC Blends

Abstract

Some oxygen‐containing groups such as C˭O and C–O were introduced onto high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) chains by an ultraviolet irradiation technique without the addition of any additives, and this method causes no chemical pollution to the environment. This groups content increases with irradiation time. Gelation took place in the HDPE irradiated for 16 hr, and the gel content also increases with irradiation time. After irradiation, the crystal shape and crystalline plane spacing of HDPE remained unchanged; the melting temperature decreased, whereas the crystallinity and hydrophilicity increased. Due to the introduction of polar groups, the interfacial interaction between sericite–tridymite–cristobalite (STC) particles and irradiated HDPE, and the mechanical properties of irradiated HDPE/STC (60/40) blend were improved. Compared with the yield and impact strength of HDPE/STC (60/40) blend, those of the corresponding blend irradiated for 16 hr were increased from 25.1 MPa and 56 J/m to 29.1 MPa and 283 J/m, respectively.