Effect of EB Irradiation on the Thermal Properties of Polyethylene/EG Nanocomposite

The effect of electron beam (EB) irradiation on the thermal properties of high density polyethylene/expanded graphite (PE/EG) nanocomposite was studied. PE/EG nanocomposite with 2.5 wt. % EG was prepared by diluting masterbatch of PE/EG composite through melt extrusion process. Sample sheets with 2 mm thickness were exposed to electron beam at doses ranging from 80 to 150 kGy. The results obtained from the DSC thermograms indicated that the melting point of irradiated samples increased compared to the unirradiated ones. A significant improvement of thermal stability was also observed for irradiated PE/EG samples