1. Laboratoire des Matériaux Organiques, Faculté des Sciences et des Sciences de l'Ingénieur, Université Abderrahmane Mira de Bejaia 06000, Algeria;2. Laboratoire des Matériaux Organiques, Faculté des Sciences et des Sciences de l'Ingénieur, Université Abderrahmane Mira de Bejaia 06000, AlgeriaLaboratoire des Matériaux Organiques, Faculté des Sciences et des Sciences de l'Ingénieur, Université Abderrahmane Mira de Bejaia 06000, Algeria. Fax: +213 34 21 4318;3. Laboratoire Polymères, Propriétés aux Interfaces et Composites, Université de Bretagne Sud, Rue de Saint Maudé, 56321 Lorient Cedex, France
Abstract:
The oxidative degradation of PP/OMMT nanocomposites under γ‐irradiation was studied. Changes in structure and properties resulting from γ‐exposure in the range 0–100 kGy were investigated. The results were analyzed by comparing the influence of PP‐g‐MA and pristine OMMT on the oxidation kinetics of neat PP. γ‐Irradiation in the presence of air strongly degraded the properties of PP materials, particularly for radiation doses above 20 kGy. The rate of oxidative degradation of PP/OMMT/PP‐g‐MA nanocomposites was much faster than that of neat PP. This suggests that PP‐g‐MA and pristine OMMT components behave as oxidation catalysts, leading to the formation of free radicals in the polymer matrix.
