Metallocene ethylene-co-(5,7-dimethylocta-1, 6-diene) copolymers crosslinked using electron beam irradiation: A tunable alternative

Abstract

Ethylene-co-(5,7-dimethylocta-1,6-diene) copolymers with various 5,7-dimethylocta-1,6-diene contents incorporate double bonds in the lateral chains that facilitate the development of crosslinkings in the resulting polymeric material after electron beam irradiation. As an effect of such irradiation, crystallization is delayed but crystallinity remains practically constant after melting and further cooling of irradiated specimens. Crystallinity, crystallite thickness and gel content are key parameters in the mechanical performance of these copolymers. Consequently, the controlled incorporation of non-conjugated dienes into the polyethylene structure appears as an alternative strategy for tuning the mechanical response in crosslinked polyolefins. Moreover, the resulting materials exhibit good thermal stability. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.