Abstract:
A composition consisting of polyethylene or a blend of polyethylene with another polymer and a filler which is a finely divided silica or metal silicate, such as calcium or aluminium silicate, is subjected to irradiation in a stream of accelerated electrons. The polymer which is blended with the polyethylene may be an organopolysiloxane, such as those disclosed in Specifications 594,481, [Group IV], 618,453 and 640,067, [both in Group IV (a)], a copolymer of butadiene and styrene or acrylonitrile, polychloroprene, polymethyl or polybutyl acrylate, polystyrene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene or natural rubber.ALSO:A composition consisting of polyethylene or a blend of polyethylene with another polymer and a filler which is a finely divided silica or metal silicate, such as calcium or aluminium silicate, is subjected to irradiation in a stream of accelerated electrons. The polymer which is blended with the polyethylene may be an organopolysiloxane gum, such as those disclosed in Specifications 594,481, [Group IV], 618,453 and 640,067, a copolymer of butadiene and styrene or acrylonitrile, polychloroprene, polymethyl or polybutyl acrylate, polystyrene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene or natural rubber.