Abstract
The radiation stability of low density polyethylene in the presence of several additives as antioxidants (two derivatives from rosin, two commercial stabilizers, Irganox 1076 and Irganox 1081 and elementary selenium) was carried out by oxygen uptake method. The values of oxidation induction times of stabilised PEjd were discussed. A stabilisation mechanism concerning derivatives of rosin was reported. The antioxidant efficiency of studied compounds was compared to propose a reliable alternative to commercial antioxidants for the radiation sterilisation of PEjd. Keywords: LDPE, oxygen uptake, gamma irradiation.