Study of some properties of waste LDPE/waste butyl rubber blends using different compatibilizing agents and gamma irradiation

Blends of waste low‐density polyethylene with waste butyl rubber of equal quantities containing reactive compatibilizing agents, namely: maliec anhydride; glycidyle methacrylate, divinyl benzene, tetraethyleneglycoldimethacrylate and diethyleneglycoldimethacrylate were preparedand exposed to different γ‐irradiation doses up to 400 kGy. The swelling behavior in organic solvent of the gel and soluble fractions and the degree of crosslinking were investigated. The mechanical properties, namely tensile strength and elongation at break were also studied. Thermal properties using thermo gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis follow analyses have been followed up to follow the change of the structure for the irradiated and nonradiated blends. Results obtained indicated improvement in physical, mechanical and thermal properties on irradiation of the prepared blends which incorporate compatibilizing agents, but with varying degrees. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007