Electron irradiated low-density polyethylene studied by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

A study of the degree and rate of cross-linking of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as a result of irradiation by high-energy electron beam has been performed using positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) technique. The PAL measurements were carried out at room temperature with a conventional fast-fast coincidence system. The lifetime spectra were analysed into four components using the PATFIT program to extract the positron parameters such as lifetime, mean lifetime, intensities, free volume radius, and fractional free volume. Almost all parameters exhibited differences between the unirradiated and irradiated LDPE. It can be concluded that the effect of irradiation on polyethylene results in intensive network formation, which is intensified as the electron energy is increased. The results manifest another proof of the usefulness of positron techniques in the study of the microstructure of polymers. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.