The effect of gamma and electron beam irradiation on the thermal and mechanical properties of injection‐moulded high crystallinity poly(propylene)

In the present study, the effect of gamma and electron beam (EB) irradiation on the thermal and mechanical properties of high crystalline polypropylene (HPP) was studied. To study the structural modifications of HPP polymer which could occur following these treatments at different doses (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 kGy) were applied to all samples. Nonirradiated HPP were used as control samples, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and Mechanical tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of both irradiation treatments (EB and gamma irradiation) on HPP samples. Irradiated samples of HPP decreases melting temperature (T_m) of matrix in EB more than in gamma rays up to 5°C. The changes of mechanical properties exhibit different radiation stability towards ⁶⁰Co‐gamma radiation and EB radiation. This difference reflects much higher penetration of the gamma radiation through the polymeric material as a function of sample thickness. The degradation on polymer properties caused by gamma irradiation was more than that caused by EB irradiation. Next, we compared the effects of gamma and EB irradiation to determine which of these two processes better maintained the integrity of the irradiated product. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Effects of gamma radiation on properties of halogen‐free flame retardant EPDM‐PVMQ rubber blends

In this study, the effects of gamma radiation on properties of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) and its blends with phenyl vinyl methyl silicon rubber (PVMQ) were studied. The samples were irradiated with the dose rate of 171.7 Gy/min, and the total dose was up to 500 kGy. Mechanical properties, electrical insulation, limiting oxygen index (LOI), crosslink density, and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy of the rubber were carried out to characterize the properties via irradiation. The results indicated that PVMQ acted as an irradiation degradation retarder for EPDM. After a postvulcanized period corresponding to 50 kGy dose, the elongation at break and electrical insulation decreased with LOI unaffected, while the crosslink density and tensile strength presented a complicated change with the increasing of radiation dose. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Mechanical and thermal properties of polyvinylchloride/olive residue flour blends treated by gamma irradiation

In this study, gamma irradiation treatments were used to improve the compatibility between poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and olive residue flour (ORF). The blends were subjected to gamma irradiation at doses of 10 and 70 kGy. The mechanical, thermal, and morphological behaviors of those blends have been assessed. The irradiated blends exhibit better thermal properties, higher tensile modulus, elongation, and strength at break than those of unirradiated blends. The contact angle of water on the surface of a blend irradiated at doses of 10 and 70 kGy is smaller than that for their corresponding unirradiated blend. These treatments cause surface oxidation of PVC/ORF films, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:273–278, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of gamma‐irradiation on the electret properties of poly(L‐lactide)

Electret stability of poly(L ‐lactide) (PLA) films, gamma‐irradiated up to 100 kGy has been investigated by measuring the surface potential during the storage period. PLA samples—40‐μm thick films—were prepared by the casting method and then irradiated in a ⁶⁰Co radiation facility at a dose rate of 0.25 kGy/h. The structural changes during the irradiation were estimated by viscometric, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscope measurements. Random chain scission and appearance of end radicals are the most probable results of the irradiation process. After irradiation, the samples were charged in a corona discharge system and surface potential was measured by the method of the vibrating electrode with compensation. The values of the surface potential of the irradiated samples were higher in comparison with the non‐irradiated samples. This effect could be related to the degradation of the macromolecules and changes in the crystal state of PLA during the irradiation. Both of the mentioned factors lead to structural defects that increase the number of discrete trapping levels. The effect of low pressure on the surface potential drop was also investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Gamma irradiation synthesis and characterization of AgNP/gelatin/PVA hydrogels for antibacterial wound dressings

An antibacterial hydrogel wound dressing was successfully synthesized by the gamma irradiation method. A gelatin solution was mixed with a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution of similar concentrations at different weight ratios of 100 : 0, 80 : 20, and 60 : 40 w/w, and irradiated at 30, 40, or 50 kGy. The testing of physical properties showed that the addition of PVA could improve both durability and mechanical integrity. The 60 : 40 hydrogels irradiated at 30 kGy were optimal, and chosen to add silver nitrate at 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 wt % (based on the solid content) to improve the antibacterial properties. After gamma irradiation, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were formed. The AgNP/gelatin/PVA hydrogels were characterized for physical properties, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial activity. The AgNP/gelatin/PVA hydrogels could be used as antibacterial wound dressings because they exhibited appropriate physical properties, noncytotoxicity, and could inhibit the growth of tested bacteria. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41138.     

Improvement of compatibility of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene octene) blends by γ‐irradiation

Blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene octene) (POE) were prepared by melt blending with various amounts of trimethylolpropane triacylate (TMPTA). The mechanical properties, phase morphologies, and gel fractions at various absorbed doses of γ‐irradiation have been investigated. It was found that the toughness of blends was enhanced effectively after irradiation as well as the tensile properties. The elongation at break for all studied PET/POE blends (POE being up to 15 wt %) with 2 wt % TMPTA reached 250–400% at most absorbed doses of γ‐irradiation, approximately 50–80 times of those of untreated PET/POE blends. The impact strength of PET/POE (85/15 wt/wt) blends with 2 wt % TMPTA irradiated with as little as 30 kGy absorbed dose exceeded 17 kJ/m², being approximately 3.4 times of those of untreated blends. The improvement of the mechanical properties was supported by the morphology changes. Scanning electron microscope images of fracture surfaces showed a smaller dispersed phase and more indistinct inter‐phase boundaries in the irradiated blends. This indicates increased compatibility of PET and POE in the PET/POE blends. The changes of the morphologies and the enhancement of the mechanical properties were ascribed to the enhanced inter‐phase boundaries by the formation of complex graft structures confirmed by the results of the gelation extraction and Fourier Transform Infrared analyses. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Effects of gamma irradiation with and without compatibilizer on the mechanical properties of polypropylene/wood flour composites

In this study, polypropylene/wood flour (Hevea brasiliensis) composites at 40 wt% filler content were prepared using a twin-screw extruder and an injection moulding machine. The effects of gamma irradiation with and without maleic anhydride graft polypropylene (PP-g-MA) compatibilizer (3% relative to the wood flour content) on the flexural properties, tensile properties, and creep behavior were investigated. The irradiation in nitrogen and air atmospheres was performed at various radiation doses (i.e. 5, 10, 20 and 30 kGy). The results revealed the improvement of mechanical properties and creep behavior was found in the presence of gamma irradiation at low radiation doses (5 and 10 kGy), while the composites irradiated at radiation doses over 10 kGy rendered the decrease of mechanical properties. Furthermore, at the same radiation dose, the composites irradiated in nitrogen atmosphere tended to provide significantly higher mechanical properties than the ones irradiated in air atmosphere. Interestingly, the great enhancement of creep resistance was observed, i.e. the tensile strains (6 h of static loading) of the irradiated composites (at 10 kGy) with and without compatibilizer were approximately 36% and 19% lower than that of the untreated composite, respectively. In addition, the Burger’s creep model is applied in order to determine the creep parameters of the composites.     

Effects of a Hindered Amine Stabilizer (HAS) on radiolytic and thermal stability of poly(methyl methacrylate)

Commercial Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) containing Tinuvin 622, a Hindered Amine Stabilizer (HAS), in 0.3% (wt/wt) concentration was investigated. The samples were irradiated with gamma radiation (⁶⁰Co) at room temperature in air. The viscosity‐average molecular weight (M_v) was analyzed by viscosity technique. Both control PMMA (without HAS) and PMMA + 622 (with HAS) showed a decrease in molecular weight with the increase in dose, reflecting the random scissions that occurred in the main chain. The G value (scissions/100 eV of energy transferred to the system) was also obtained by viscosity analysis. G value results showed that the addition of Tinuvin 622 into the PMMA matrix significantly decreased the number of scissions/100 eV at dose range of 0–60 kGy. Analysis of infrared spectra showed a decrease in the carbonyl index (CI) in irradiated samples. However the CI decrease was found lower for PMMA + 622 than for control PMMA sample. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that maximum decomposition temperature of additive PMMA is 42°C higher than control PMMA for unirradiated system. On the other hand this difference is not significant in irradiated systems at 60‐kGy irradiation dose. The activation energy of the thermal degradation of PMMA was 165 kJ/mol, this activation energy increased 60 kJ/mol when Tinuvin 622 was added to PMMA matrix. Therefore Tinuvin 622 is a suitable radiostabilizing agent for commercial PMMA in a 0–60 kGy dose interval. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Novel gamma irradiated agarose-gelatin-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite scaffolds for skin tissue regeneration

Agarose-gelatin-hydroxyapatite composites prepared by freeze-drying technique were gamma irradiated with various doses (25 kGy, 50 kGy and 100 kGy). X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the pure phase of HAp and the intensity of prominent planes of hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, HAp) were found to decrease on irradiation. Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FTIR) showed functional groups of HAp and polymer composites, and higher disorder of the polymer matrix on irradiation. In addition, gamma irradiation led to a drastic reduction in the wettability (62%) and the compressive modulus (76%) of the scaffolds. There was significant enhancement (113%) in pore size of the scaffolds at higher fluence (100 kGy). The swelling and the dissolution studies of the gamma irradiated scaffolds showed that it had an appreciable change in the scaffold's mechanical and biological properties viz., compressive modulus, cell proliferation, hemolysis etc. The irradiated biomaterials exhibited enhanced hemocompatibility, antimicrobial activity and cell viability. The above results clearly reveal that the gamma irradiation is a suitable tool to tailor the multifunctional properties of the composites and could be used for various biomedical applications.     

Heat-shrinkable films based on polyolefin waste

Polyethylene wastes (low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene and their binary blends) were subjected to high-energy radiation, using a ⁶⁰Co gamma radiation source. The crosslinked materials thus obtained were processed to heatshrinkable films. Tensile strength could be sharply improved by increasing the dose up to 20 Mrad, simultaneously increasing the elongation at break of the most degraded PE waste. An increase of the degree of compatibility of LDPE and HDPE waste was also observed. All samples examined exhibit a “memory effect” after drawing at 130°C and cooling under tension followed by further heating under relaxed conditions. The value of shrinkage depended on the degree of degradation of the PE waste and on the irradiation dose.     

Effect of additive concentration and gamma radiation on the molecular and color properties of poly(vinyl chloride)

The effects of addition of different monomers on the molecular properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) have been studied. Three different additive monomers from N‐phenyl maleimide derivatives were added with the same concentration 0.02 gm/1 gm PVC as stabilizers to PVC. These stabilizers are N‐phenyl maleimide, Para‐carboxy N‐phenyl maleimide, and Para‐amide carboxy N‐phenyl maleimide (PA‐NPMI). Their stabilizing efficiencies were evaluated by measuring the intrinsic viscosity of the solution samples. The results reveal that the type of the additive monomer plays a major role in determining the stabilizing potency of these materials. It was found that the PA‐NPMI is the most effective stabilizer that improves the intrinsic viscosity of pure PVC from 1.02 to 1.19. So, the effect of its addition with different concentrations was studied. The results indicate that the sample with 0.015 gm PA‐NPMI/1 gm PVC has higher intrinsic viscosity. Thus, this sample was chosen to be a subject for further study to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on its molecular and color properties. Samples from the 0.015 gm PA‐NPMI/1 gm PVC were irradiated with gamma doses in the range 5–100 kGy. It is found that the irradiation in the dose range 20–60 kGy enhances the intrinsic viscosity of the samples. In addition, the transmission of these irradiated samples in the wavelength range 200–2500 nm, as well as any color changes, was studied. The color intensity ΔE was greatly increased with increasing the gamma dose, and was accompanied by darkness with a significant increase in the yellow color component. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Effect of the electron beam irradiation on the properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 50) compatibilized linear low‐density polyethylene/soya powder blends

Linear low‐density polyethylene/soya powder blends were prepared by using an internal mixer at 150°C. The soya powder content ranged from 5 to 40 wt %. Epoxidized natural rubber with 50 mol % epoxidation (ENR 50) was added as a compatibilizer. The blends were irradiated by electron beam (EB) at a constant dose of 30 kGy. The changes in gel fraction, tensile properties, morphological and thermal properties of the samples were investigated. The gel content increased after EB irradiation. However, the increment of gel content was hindered by increasing soya powder content. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the blends were increased by EB whereas the elongation at break decreased. The tensile fracture surface also support the reduction of elongation at break by EB irradiation. Further analysis on the irradiated blends using Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated an increase of oxygenated product after undergoing EB irradiation. The differential scanning calorimetry result indicated that the melting temperature of the blends decreased after EB irradiation whereas the crystallinity increased. EB irradiation also enhanced the thermal stability of the blends as indicated by thermogravimetric analysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effects of irradiation on the mechanical,electrical, and flammability properties of (low‐density polyethylene)/(ethylene‐[vinyl acetate] copolymer) blends containing alumina trihydrate

Alumina trihydrate (ATH) was added to (low‐density polyethylene)/(ethylene‐[vinyl acetate] copolymer) blends (LPEs) to enhance their flame resistance. The addition of substantial amounts of ATH has been known to have deleterious effects on the mechanical properties of such blends. Hence, electron beam irradiation was used to improve the mechanical properties of our ATH‐filled LPE specimens. The specimens were irradiated at 50 to 150 kGy before being cut into specified shapes for analysis. The increase in the irradiation dosage increased the gel content as a result of the formation of crosslinked networks. Also, the flame resistance of the LPE blends was enhanced by increasing both the loading level of ATH and the irradiation dosage. However, a high ATH loading level reduced tensile strength and elongation at break. Nevertheless, the electron beam irradiation maintained the tensile strength and elongation of the ATH‐filled blends. In addition, a higher content of ATH in the LPE blends showed reactive interaction with irradiation effects. A higher amount of ATH reduced the electrical resistivity of the blends, but analysis of their surface and volume resistivity showed that the electrical resistance of the ATH‐filled LPE blends could be improved by electron beam irradiation in the range of 50 to 150 kGy. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:91–98, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Studies on the Physicochemical Properties of Natural Rubber/Polyethylene Blends and the Impact of Radiation on Their Properties

NR and Polyethylene (PE) were blended at different compositions of PE, like 00, 35, 50, 65, 85 and 100% by extrusion method and then the blend films were made by hot press. The blends, NR and PE films were irradiated and their mechanical properties were investigated before and after leaching. Blend compositions were optimized and found that the 50–65% PE blends give the best quality. It is also found that 5–8 kGy radiation doses are optimal for improved properties of blends. Leaching enhances mechanical properties and lower radiation doses give more enhanced mechanical properties compared to unleached one.     

Improvement of Physicochemical Properties of Rubber Blends Between Nonirradiated and Irradiated Rubber Latexes by Radiation Vulcanization

Abstract

Nonirradiated natural rubber latex (NRL) and irradiated (12 kGy) rubber latex were blended in ratios of 100:0, 85:15, 65:35, 50:50, 35:65, 15:85, and 0:100 (v/v) to improve properties of the rubber latex. The blends were irradiated using different irradiation doses (0–20 kGy) in the presence of a radiation vulcanization accelerator (RVA), normal butyl acrylate (n-BA). The physicochemical properties of the nonirradiated latex, irradiated latex, and blend films were determined after leaching with distilled water. It was observed that the tensile strengths of the blend films increases with an increase in the content of the irradiated proportion and radiation doses. The composition of the blends and the doses of radiation were optimized. The maximum tensile strength (31.41 MPa) was found for the 50:50 composition of the blend with a 5 kGy radiation dose. The 100:0 blends, when irradiated, give the highest tensile strength (27.69 MPa) with 12 kGy but a 15:85 nonirradiated blend gives the tensile strength of 26.18 MPa.     

γ-Radiation (0–150 kGy) Effects on Slow and Fast Cooled HDPE/LDPE Blends

Summary The influence of gamma radiation on the morphology, thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of blends of high density polyethylene/low density polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE) was investigated. Prior to irradiation blends of different thermal history were prepared by fast cooling and slow cooling from the melt. Results showed that there were not significant changes in the degree of crystallinity of the blends with radiation. Higher values of degree of crystallinity and melting peak temperature were obtained for the slowly cooled blends. A small increase in the Young modulus and the yield stress were observed by irradiating the blends, and the elongation at break was reduced about 70% when compared to non-irradiated blends. High degree of crosslinking is expected to occur due to the decrease in melt flow rate of the blends irradiated to 50 kGy, and no flow was detected at 150 kGy. Transmission electron microscopy observations failed to show important changes in morphology with radiation.     

Structural alterations of polycarbonate/PBT by gamma irradiation for high technology applications

In this work, polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate (PC/PBT) was irradiated with different gamma doses ranging from 200 kGy to 1950 kGy. Structural alterations of irradiated PC/PBT polymer blend have been studied using UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), as well as surface wettability. The results of UV–vis spectra showed that gamma irradiation induced an increase in the optical absorption with an increase in the gamma doses with shift in the optical absorption edge in the irradiated samples toward the higher wavelength. This shift is correlated with the decrease in optical band gap energy. Optical band gap decreases up to 12 and 20% with respect to pristine sample for direct and indirect transition, respectively. The number of carbon atoms per conjugated length has been estimated. The α phase and β phase of the crystalline PBT structure were observed. The α phase reflections are slightly increased due to the irradiation but the accompanying α to β transformation alters the results. FTIR investigation showed slight variation in the absorption spectrum specially in the range from 1300 to 1001 cm^?1 which are related to the O–C–O arrangements that is found to be the most affected part of the molecule by irradiation. A remarkable increase was observed in the wettability, surface free energy, and adhesion work of irradiated samples with an increase in the gamma doses.     

Characterization of blends of PP with vitamins “C” and “E” exposed to gamma radiation at sterilization dose

In this study, the influence of two vitamins (C and E) on the properties of isotactic polypropylene (PP) exposed to gamma radiation at the minimal sterilization dose of 25 kGy was evaluated. To do so, PP was blended in solution with the vitamins at varying concentrations. These formulations were irradiated with gamma rays at a dose of 25 kGy from a ⁶⁰Co source and then characterized using different techniques such as FTIR, GPC, DSC, TGA, and tensile testing. The incorporation of the different vitamins, either individually or combined, did not avoid the formation of carbonyl groups in the PP after irradiation. Moreover, the average molecular weight of the polypropylene decreased significantly, even in those samples where the additives were present. Tensile tests unfolded an increased stiffness in those samples with individual additives, whereas a decrease was detected in those systems with a combination of them. A decrease in both tensile strength and elongation at break was displayed by the compounds when compared to irradiated PP. An increase in the crystallization temperature was detected when Vitamins C and E were incorporated into the PP, which demonstrated a nucleating effect of these compounds. The highest nucleating effect was found for concentrations of 0.3% of Vitamin E and 0.5% of Vitamin C. For these formulations, more homogeneous melting endotherms and narrower crystallization exotherms were obtained. An increase in the nucleating density in PP was observed as well, when a combination of Vitamins E/C (0.5/0.5%) was employed.     

Effects of gamma irradiation on the thermal and mechanical properties of chitosan/PVA nanofibrous mats

Chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibrous mats were prepared by the electrospinning method. The morphology and structure of electrospun nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. SEM images showed that the uniform and bead-free fibers were obtained at concentrations greater than 8 wt%. Chitosan/PVA mats were irradiated with different doses (50–200 kGy) of ⁶⁰Co gamma rays. The effect of irradiation dose on the mechanical and thermal properties of these films was also investigated. Increasing the irradiation dose led to a decrease in tensile strength. FT-IR and DSC demonstrated that there were strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the chitosan and PVA molecules.     

Investigation of thermoluminescence and kinetic parameters of gamma ray exposed LiF: Sm3+, Eu3+ nanophosphors for dosimetric applications

Thermoluminescence (TL) properties of LiF: Sm³⁺ (0.05?mol%) co-doped with Eu³⁺ (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08?mol%) nanophosphor for the applications of TL dosimetry have been studied. The nanophosphors have been synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method at 8?pH value. The phase purity of the prepared samples has been confirmed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The XRD peaks broadening revealed the formation of the nanostructure, complemented by the TEM image. For TL studies, the samples have been irradiated with gamma rays using ⁶⁰Co source in the irradiation dose range of 0.1?kGy to 30?kGy. In gamma exposed samples, the TL glow curve consists of single glow peak at 410?K and three shoulder peaks at 475?K, 550?K and 632?K. The dosimetry properties such as the effects of exposure doses, heating rates and fading characteristics have also been studied. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy (E), the frequency factors (s) and order of kinetic (b) of the glow curves have also been calculated by using Chen's peak shape method. The linear behavior of TL intensity with radiation doses and low fading shows that the LiF: Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺ Nanophosphor is a potential candidate for dosimetry applications.