Electron-Beam Radiation Crosslinking as a Route for Upgrading Recycled Polyethylene for Circular Economy Applications

Lyazat Tolymbekova, Gaini Zh. Seitenova, Айымжан Казбекова, Айша Бактыбек, Murat T. Kassymzhanov, Эльдар Ертаевич Копишев, Zarina Yelemessova

2026

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DOI 10.3390/polym18141719
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

The growing demand for polymer recycling requires effective approaches to improve the performance of recycled materials and expand their practical applications. In this study, electron-beam irradiation was investigated as a method for modifying recycled polyethylene obtained from façade-fastening elements. Virgin PE-80 polyethylene was used as a reference material for comparison. Irradiation was carried out using an ILU-10 electron accelerator (5 MeV) at doses of 95-125 kGy. Structural, morphological, elemental, thermal, crosslinking, and mechanical characteristics were evaluated using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM/EDS analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel fraction determination, and tensile testing according to ISO 527. The results showed that irradiation promotes the formation of a crosslinked network structure in both materials, as confirmed by the increase in gel fraction with increasing dose. For recycled polyethylene, gel fraction values increased from 46.7 to 56.2%, indicating effective radiation-induced crosslinking despite the structural heterogeneity of the material. FTIR analysis revealed the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups associated with radiation-induced oxidation, which was more pronounced in recycled polyethylene due to the presence of pre-existing defects and degradation products. SEM observations revealed increased surface roughness and localized fibrillar features after irradiation, while DSC analysis indicated a decrease in the crystallinity of recycled polyethylene associated with radiation-induced crosslinking and restricted molecular chain rearrangement. Mechanical testing showed an increase in tensile strength and elastic modulus accompanied by a reduction in elongation at break. Among the investigated irradiation doses, 110 kGy provided the most favorable balance between crosslinking efficiency and preservation of structural integrity. These findings demonstrate that electron-beam irradiation is an effective strategy for upgrading recycled polyethylene by improving its mechanical performance while maintaining structural integrity, thereby expanding its potential for reuse in circular economy applications.