Abstract
The rheological properties of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) were modified by irradiation in order to reduce or eliminate the unstable region (spurt) on the flow curve. Three different types of irradiation source (gamma ray, electron beam and UV light) were used to introduce the oxygen-containing groups into molecular chains of LLDPE, and consequently attain chain scission without any chemical additives resulting in smooth flow without any evidence of instability. This was proved by FTIR and contact angle measurements. Further, irradiation treatment should lead to increased polarity of polyethylene, and thus to increased adhesion between the polymer and polar fillers. Therefore, LLDPE filled with sericite–tridymite–cristobalite (STC) was investigated. Although the viscosity changes were rather negligible, a positive effect was seen during mixing, where torque, necessary to disperse the powder homogeneously in the polymer melt, was dramatically reduced, especially in the case of gamma-irradiated samples.
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