ESR Study of Peroxide-Induced Cross-Linking of High Density Polyethylene

Peroxide-initiated cross-linking of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was studied using an on-line electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. Peroxides were used to provide primary radicals upon thermal decomposition at elevated temperatures for the generation of polymer backbone radicals. Recording of the ESR spectra during the reaction process verified the free radical mechanisms involved in the modification. The determining variables for the …