Effect of the electron beam irradiation on the properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 50) compatibilized linear low‐density polyethylene/soya powder blends

Linear low‐density polyethylene/soya powder blends were prepared by using an internal mixer at 150°C. The soya powder content ranged from 5 to 40 wt %. Epoxidized natural rubber with 50 mol % epoxidation (ENR 50) was added as a compatibilizer. The blends were irradiated by electron beam (EB) at a constant dose of 30 kGy. The changes in gel fraction, tensile properties, morphological and thermal properties of the samples were investigated. The gel content increased after EB irradiation. However, the increment of gel content was hindered by increasing soya powder content. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the blends were increased by EB whereas the elongation at break decreased. The tensile fracture surface also support the reduction of elongation at break by EB irradiation. Further analysis on the irradiated blends using Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated an increase of oxygenated product after undergoing EB irradiation. The differential scanning calorimetry result indicated that the melting temperature of the blends decreased after EB irradiation whereas the crystallinity increased. EB irradiation also enhanced the thermal stability of the blends as indicated by thermogravimetric analysis.