Study of the Use of Crosslinked High-Density Polyethylene for Low-Level Radioactive Waste Containers.

摘要

A comprehensive research program has been completed to evaluate the effects of chemical and gamma-irradiation environments on the mechanical properties of crosslinked high-density polyethylene. The studies included uniaxial creep tests and crack initiation and crack propagation studies in statically-stressed U-bend samples. From the results obtained, standard testing protocols were recommended for quantifying the various failure modes that could be present in the material during service as a low-level waste container.