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    Electron treatment of HDPE in solid state has no effect on morphology.
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    Electron induced reactive processing has no influence on long period and crystallinity.
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    Electron induced reactive processing increases the crystallization temperature.
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    Electron induced reactive processing (EIReP) generates an inhomogeneous morphology.
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    EIReP influences formation and size of spherulites as well as lamellae thickness.

Abstract

High-density polyethylene (HD-PE) irradiated in the solid state is compared with HD-PE modified by electron-induced reactive processing (EIReP) which combines in a unique set-up the modification of polymers with high energy electrons and melt mixing processes. The effect of these different processes on the morphology and structural properties of HD-PE was investigated with X-ray analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, optical light microscopy combined with a hot stage and transmission electron microscopy as function of applied dose. The increased molecular mass was measured by using gel permeation chromatography and confirmed with rheological measurements. Even though the crystallinity and melting temperatures are constant within the studied range of dose significant differences have been observed in the morphology as well as in the crystallization behaviour. Electron treatment in the solid state causes a shift of crystallization temperature to lower temperatures due to branching and degradation whereas the irradiation under the dynamic conditions of melt mixing leads to higher crystallization temperatures with increased doses due to in-situ self-nucleation. The morphology and crystalline structure of HD-PE is not influenced by an electron treatment in the solid state, but by EIReP. Spatial and thermal stable heterogeneities have been generated only in HD-PE modified with high energy electrons under the dynamic conditions of melt mixing.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

  • Morphology
  • High energy electrons
  • High density polyethylene