Pellets of magnetized polyethylene (Fe₃O₄/PE) wax from gamma irradiated polyethylene: synthesis and characterization

Different size of microcrystalline polyethylene (PE) waxes containing iron oxide magnetite (Fe₃O₄) was manufactured by the change of Fe₃O₄ content (%). Magnetite Fe₃O₄ used as filler, the magnetic moment of Fe₃O₄ in order to enhance the crystallinity of polyethylene (PE) wax pellets. PE/Fe₃O₄ wax irradiated by γ-rays at dose 50 kGy under ambient conditions. Pelletization process occurred by heated wax iron oxide composite at 120 °C and drops wise in an ultrasonic bath. The dependence of pellets size on temperature was determined. Effect of irradiation dose (50 kGy) and Fe₃O₄ content on surface hardness (shore-D), melt flow index and melting point (T _m ) of magnetized PE wax pellets was investigated. The results showed that an irradiation dose of 50 kGy causes increase in the melting point of pellets without Fe₃O₄ from 110 to 120 °C, while introducing 30% of Fe₃O₄ increasing the melting point of pellets from 110 to 147 °C. The morphology of pellets surface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy.