Tensile toughness of irradiated HDPE

Abstract

Although irradiation of plastics is a well-recognized modification, little research has been undertaken on the possible reuse of such modified materials. In this research paper their possible utilization as fillers into non-irradiated materials is investigated. A powder of recycled irradiated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was used as filler and granules of non-irradiated neat low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were used as a polymer matrix. Both materials were mixed together in seven concentrations (from 0% to 60% of the filler) and test specimens were prepared from the resulting compound by an injection molding technology. Tensile test at two temperatures (ambient-23 °C and elevated-80 °C) was performed and influence of the filler on strength, toughness and elasticity was observed. According to measured results there is significant growth of, strength (up to 41%) and toughness (up to 85%) and on the contrary significant loss of elasticity (up to 69%), similar trend is observed at elevated temperature as well. These findings indicate that it is possible to re-use irradiated polymer material after the end of its service life, while taking advantage of the improvement in the resulting mechanical properties.