Effect of hexane of the radiothermoluminescence of polyethylene

The authors have investigated the change in the curve of radiothermoluminescence of PE as a function of the time of holding of the polymer in liquid hexane or its unsaturated vapours at room temperature and different pressures. With increase in the content of hexane in the polymer the intensity of radiothermoluminescence diminishes and the temperature of the high temperature maximum falls. These changes are reversible and associated respectively with change in the conditions of radiolysis in the amorphous regions of the polymer and with its plasticizing action on the amorphous regions. Removal of hexane from the polymer restores the intensity and position of the maximum. The holding of PE in liquid hexane leads to irreversible changes in the curve of radiothermoluminescence. The irreversible action of hexane is connected with washing out of impurities from the polymer.