Influence of heat treatment on the mechanical, thermal and thermophysical properties of low-density polyethylene

Abstract

This study demonstrates that quenching and annealing significantly influence the mechanical and thermophysical behavior of low density polyethylene (LDPE). Rapid quenching at temperature of –25 °C enhances ductility by increasing elongation at break, despite reducing thermophysical properties, likely due to microstructural refinement. In contrast, post-quenching annealing especially at 100 °C improves thermal conductivity and crystallinity but reduces ductility. The results underscore a tunable balance between thermal and mechanical performance, governed by the interplay of beta (β-) and alpha (α-) relaxation modes during heat treatment. Post-quenching annealing of low density polyethylene LDPE, particularly at 100 °C, significantly enhanced thermal conductivity, diffusivity, and crystallinity, albeit with a trade-off in ductility and increased brittleness. Quenching within the beta (β-) relaxation range promoted maximum ductility, while annealing in the alpha (α-) relaxation range improved thermophysical properties. These findings reveal that precise control of heat treatment conditions enables a tunable balance between mechanical flexibility and thermophysical performance in LDPE