Effect of atmosphere on degradation of polyethylene under -ray irradiation

Idesaki, Akira*; Barr, L.; Taguchi, Mitsumasa*; Yamaguchi, Tetsuji 

Because 1F water treatment secondary waste slurry is stored in a high-performance polyethylene container, it is necessary to understand radiation degradation of polyethylene. In particular, this study was conducted because there is no knowledge about the influence of water or slurry. Stress cracking properties, one of the indicators of degradation of polyethylene, were different in air and in water (and in slurry). This difference was considered together with the results of other characteristic tests. In addition, it was revealed that degradation is effectively suppressed in any environment by containing an antioxidant in polyethylene.