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Title: Effects of environment and gamma irradiation on the mechanical properties of high density polyethylene. [Construction material for LLW high-integrity containers]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5819623

An evaluation was made of the effects of environment and gamma irradiation on the short-term tensile and creep properties of Marlex CL-100, a highly cross-linked high-density polyethylene. This material is being considered as a constructional material for a low-level radioactive waste high-integrity container. It was found that the chemical environments studied could be beneficial or detrimental to strength and ductility depending on the type of mechanical property test and the nature of the exposure of the polyethylene to the chemical environment. Gamma irradiation to a sufficiently high dose prior to tensile or creep testing increased the strength and decreased the ductility. In-test irradiation, however, could increase or decrease the creep rate depending on the dose rate and applied stress.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH00016
OSTI ID:
5819623
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-4607; BNL-NUREG-51991; ON: TI86010745
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English