The effects of sea water immersion on the mechanical properties of low density polythylene

Abstract

The effects of immersion of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) m seawater for times of up to one year were studied using mechanical and ultrasonic techniques. The studies were carried out in the laboratories of the Faculties of Science and Engineering in the University of Qatar. The results demonstrate an interaction between ageing time and seawater immersion. The experimental results indicated that mechanical properties are sensitive to varying periods of seawater immersion. The results are discussed in terms of the stability of LDPE in seawater and explained in terms of chemical reactions and physical absorption processes taking place in the presence of high ionic concentrations present in seawater. Significant physical interactions are reported and mechanism involving chain scission and deploymerisation are proposed to explain the mechanical test results.