| Abstract: | The fourth type of polyethylene—very low density polyethylene (VLDPE)—has been developed very recently. VLDPE is a copolymer of ethylene and 1-butene. The radiation and photo degradation of VLDPE was studied using gel, FT-IR, and UV spectral measurements. Mechanical tests were also done; the rate of gel and carbonyl formation was high. End methyl ? CH3 group was found to increase in the case of radiation degradation. The initial modulus was very low indicating the rubbery nature in the copolymer. VLDPE was found to be highly resistant to radiation-induced degradation than linear low density polyethylene. VLDPE is highly susceptible to thermal effects. |
