Dynamic mechanical analysis of polyethylene and ethylene vinylacetate copolymer blends irradiated by electron beam

Dynamic mechanical properties of nonirradiated and irradiated blends of polyethylene (PE) and ethylene vinylacetate (EVA) copolymer have been determined. Effect of addition of EVA and radiational crosslinking on loss and storage modulus, tan delta, and transition temperatures were determined. Increase in transition temperatures on exposure to radiation and decrease in transition temperatures with addition of EVA is observed. Peak broadening is observed on exposure to radiation. Values of the storage modulus increase while that of loss modulus and tan delta decrease on crosslinking. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.