Physico-chemical aspects of polyethylene processing in open mixers 1: Review of published work

Numerous studies have been devoted to thermal oxidation of polyolefin melts. In spite of the considerable work accomplished, many problems have not been solved satisfactorily. The review of published work shows clearly the points that are still a matter of discussion. They comprise some practical aspects of degradation and crosslinking of polyethylene as well as more fundamental elements. Among the last, the nature of the primary initiation reaction and the modes of hydroperoxide decomposition are certainly important. The same is true for clear identification of key oxidation products and their mechanisms of formation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.