The effect of ionizing radiation on the melting behavior of high‐density and low‐density polyethylene was examined with data obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. Melting temperatures and fusion endotherms were obtained after absorbed doses of gamma radiation up to 3 MGy. The changes in melting temperatures and heat of fusion for the first and second meltings are related to the radiation chemistry of polyethylene. The changes in the first melting temperature are caused by radiation‐induced links that decrease the melt entropy and increase the flod surface free‐energy‐per‐unit area of chain‐folded polyethylene crystals. These effects are dependent on the lamellar thickness distribution and on the types of links formed (intramolecular or intermolecular). The changes in melting temperature and heat of fusion obtained in the second melting are related to the inhibition of crystallization caused by the presence of radiation‐induced links.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Zoepfl et al. (1984) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: