Kazakhstan journal for oil & gas industryKazakhstan journal for oil & gas industry2707-42262957-806XKMG Engineering10888810.54859/kjogi108888Research ArticleRadiation-induced crosslinking of polyethylenes under different media for construction and oil & gas applicationsSeitenovaGaini Z.<p>Cand. Sc. (Chemistry)</p>gainiseitenova@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-6202-3951SyzdykAyazhan G.ayazhanka.syzdyk@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0009-0007-4435-0976DyussovaRizagul M.<p>Cand. Sc. (Engineering)</p>rizagul.dyussova@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3083-5255BaygazinovZhanat A.<p>Cand. Sc. (Biology), PhD</p>zh.baigazinov@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-0348-8473NurkassimovAzat K.nurkasimov@pnt.kzhttps://orcid.org/0009-0007-8222-8349KassymzhanovMarat T.kasymzhanov@pnt.kzhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3977-4084Association of Producers and Consumers of Petrogaschemical Products (Petrogaschemical Association)Eurasian National UniversityToraighyrov UniversityPark of Nuclear Technologies010420268166783006202505092025Copyright © 2026, Seitenova G.Z., Syzdyk A.G., Dyussova R.M., Baygazinov Z.A., Nurkassimov A.K., Kassymzhanov M.T.2026<p><strong>Background: </strong>Foamed polyethylene is widely used in construction and in the oil and gas industry as a thermal and acoustic insulation material. Its popularity stems from low thermal conductivity, moisture resistance, and chemical stability. However, its durability and long-term performance remain limited. Radiation crosslinking provides an effective modification method by creating a three-dimensional polymer network and improving resistance to degradation.</p> <p><strong>Aim:</strong> This study examines the effects of electron beam dose and gas atmosphere (air, argon, nitrogen) on the crosslinking degree of polyethylenes used in construction and oil and gas insulation.</p> <p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Polyethylene samples irradiated with electron beams at doses of 75, 125, and 175 kGy in three atmospheres: air, argon, and nitrogen. Crosslinking was evaluated through gel fraction analysis following GOST R 59112–2020. Structural changes were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy using Infralum FT-08 (Russia) and Shimadzu IR Spirit (Japan).</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Maximum crosslinking was observed at 125 kGy. Irradiation in inert atmospheres (argon and nitrogen) yielded higher gel fractions than in air, where degradation processes predominated. findings confirm a direct correlation between irradiation conditions and the structural stability of polyethylene.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Radiation crosslinking significantly improves the performance of polyethylene by enhancing its thermal, chemical, and mechanical resistance. This approach can be recommended for producing long-lasting insulation and protective materials in both construction and oil and gas applications.</p>bitumen–polymer compositeIR spectroscopypolypropyleneheavy petroleum residuesfunctional groupsstructural transformationsбитумдық-полимерлі композитИК-спектроскопияполипропиленауыр мұнай қалдықтарыфункционалды топтарқұрылымдық түрлендірулербитумно-полимерный композитИК-спектроскопияполипропилентяжёлые нефтяные остаткифункциональные группыструктурные преобразования1.Demongeot A, Groote R, Goossens H, et al. 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