Blends With Poly(p-Methylstyrene)

Poly(p-methylstyrene) (PPMS), containing 3% meta isomer and 0.1% ortho isomer, was dissolved in toluene at a concentration of 25 weight percent. Then, one weight percent low molecular weight, finely divided polyethylene (particle size 12 microns average) based on solid weight was added and dissolved. The polyethylene had a molecular weight of about 5,000-6,000 and density of 0.99 g./cc. Films were cast onto a smooth surface coated with polyethylene terephthalate and drawn down and dried to obtain a dried film thickness of about 2 mils. Film samples were irradiated by electron beam at various megarad (M Rads) doses. For each dosage level, crosslinking was determined by measuring solubility of the irradiated films in toluene at room temperature overnight. Any insoluble gel thus formed was filtered and dried to constant weight at 115.degree. C. For comparison, films of polystyrene (PS) containing one weight percent of the polyethylene used above were irradiated and tested for gel content. Pertinent data are set forth in Table I.

From the data in Table I, it will be noted that at doses between about 20 and about 45 M Rads substantial crosslinking of the blend of PPMS and polyethylene took place as measured by gelation, whereas PS blends did not crosslink. With PPMS alone (unblended), doses in the order of 50-60 M Rads were required. Thus, using the blends of this invention considerable energy savings are effected.

The run of Example 1 was repeated, except that the polyethylene used was one having a molecular weight of about 18,000 and a density of 0.924 g./cc. Pertinent data for irradiation of 2 mil films of the 1% blend in PPMS are set forth in Table II.

A series of blends with PPMS (Example 1) was prepared each containing one weight percent of a different polyolefin or olefin copolymer and films were made therefrom. Each film was irradiated by electron beam at various M Rad dosage levels. As described in Example 1, the amount of crosslinking was determined at each dosage level. Pertinent data and results are set forth in Table III.

Although the present invention has been described with preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such variations and modifications are considered to be within the purview and scope of the appended claims.