Simultaneous Determination of the Antioxidant, the Crosslinking-Agent and Decomposition Products in Polyethylene by Reverse-Phase HPLC

Abstract

A method has been developed for the extraction and analysis of the antioxidant, the peroxide crosslinking agent and some decomposition products in crosslinked polyethylene. The method involves the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the reverse-phase mode, with a mixture of methanol and water as the mobile phase. Samples of polyethylene are ground at low temperature into a fine powder prior to extraction by methanol. The accuracy and sensitivity limits are given for each of the separated components.

Stabilization of peroxide crosslinked polyethylene

“…Antioxidants and other additives on the pellet surface might give rise to dust and thus cause practical difficulties in the materials handling. The low amount of extractable antioxidants usually found in the crosslinked insulation is also referred to as a grafting reaction 8,9) . It is evident that a balance between the efficiency of the antioxidant, concentration, and compatibility as well as its interaction with the peroxide has to be found.…”