Effect of ionizing irradiation on the thermal blend of waste low density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate/bitumen for some industrial applications

The effect of gamma irradiation on the properties of waste low density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate/bitumen blend was investigated. The variation in tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness and compression set (%) of the prepared blends confirmed the impact of gamma irradiation on the blend microstructure. The best mechanical properties were reported at an integral irradiation dose of 75 kGy at a weight composition ratio of bitumen:EVA:waste LDPE blend, 1:1:1. The influence of ionizing irradiation on the thermal stability and compatibility of the prepared blends, solubility and scanning electron micrographs were investigated. The results suggest that EVA content plays a detrimental role in the ultimate specifications via irradiation. The study offers an elastic product thanks to the controllable radiation crosslinking of EVA beside the introduction of the waste LDPE and bitumen as a possible means of recycling for a likely implementation in expansion joint systems of the concrete moulds.