The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene
containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no
residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated
crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with
a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the
melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free
radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated
crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content,
preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by
mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below
the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing
environment, is also disclosed herein.