Change of mechanical properties of powder recyclate reinforced polyolefin based on gamma radiation

In this study, the changes observed in the mechanical properties of standard test specimens that were produced with powder coating reinforced polyolefin (polyethylene and polypropylene) due to gamma radiation were examined. Matrix material of these specimens included low density polyethylene and polypropylene and 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% electrostatic powder coating waste by weight, and the samples were exposed to 44 kGry gamma-radiation for twenty four hours. Mechanical tests applied to the specimens after radiation demonstrated that the physical bonding mechanism between matrix material and filler material was reinforced. In the mechanical tests, tensile strength, three-point bending strength, and Izod impact strength of the samples were investigated and the results were compared to the results obtained in the mechanical tests when they were not radiated. Thus, the effects of gamma radiation on the mechanical properties of the filler material, and the electrostatic powder coating reinforced polyethylene and polypropylene were determined. Furthermore, section images of the radiated samples were taken with a scanning electron microscope and compared to the section images of irradiated samples to observe the physical bonding mechanism.