Abstract
The effect of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on gas permeability and mechanical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films was investigated in the temperature range from 20°C to 60°C. It was shown that UV exposure of the films resulted in their artificial aging, which is manifested as a decrease in gas permeability and as a variation in structure and mechanical properties of the LDPE films. A correlation between gas permeability and mechanical characteristics of the LDPE films subjected to the action of temperature and UV irradiation was found. The novelty of the performed investigations is due to the fact that the gas permeability of polymers exposed to the combined effects of UV radiation and temperature has not been studied so far.