Effects of thermo-oxidative aging on structure and low temperature impact performance of rotationally molded products

In this work, the effects of thermo-oxidative aging on the microstructure and impact properties of polyethylene during the rotational molding process were studied. FTIR and Raman analysis showed that the degradation of polyethylene was responsible for the low-temperature impact strength (LT-IS) and the brittle fracture behavior of samples those subjected to prolonged heating time during rotational molding process. The DSC and polarizing microscope analysis showed that the degradation process was delayed by the addition of antioxidants. Through use and optimization of antioxidants, the thermo-oxidative aging of polyethylene can be modulated, a broader processing window can be achieved, and the products may exhibit better mechanical properties with a wider heating time range. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.