Fabrication and characterization of radiation-resistant LDPE/MWCNT nanocomposites

Abstract

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced low density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposites were fabricated to improve the radiation resistance of LDPE. LDPE nanocomposites with various compositions prepared through a melt blending were irradiated by γ-rays at doses ranging from 50 to 500kGy. The resulting nanocomposites were investigated in terms of their morphology, tensile property, activation energy, oxidation stability, thermal stability, and lifetime. Based on the results of the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis, MWCNTs were found to be well-dispersed in the LDPE matrix even at 3wt.%, and no radiation-induced morphological changes were observed. The analytic results of the tensile property, oxidative stability, and activation energy revealed that the LDPE/MWCNT nanocomposites exhibited a higher radiation resistance in comparison to the pure LDPE, which was dependent on the MWCNT content. Moreover, based on the lifetime prediction, the lifetime of the LDPE/MWCNT was much longer than that of the pure LDPE. This improved radiation resistance can be ascribed to the incorporation of the radical scavenging MWCNT nanofillers into the LDPE matrix.