Influence of γ‐irradiation on poly(methyl methacrylate) |
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Authors: | Jo o Carlos Miguez Suarez,Eloisa Biasotto Mano,Elisabeth Ermel Da Costa Monteiro,Maria Inê s Bruno Tavares |
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Affiliation: | João Carlos Miguez Suarez,Eloisa Biasotto Mano,Elisabeth Ermel Da Costa Monteiro,Maria Inês Bruno Tavares |
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Abstract: | Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was γ‐irradiated (5–20 kGy) by a 137Cs source at room temperature in air. The changes in the molecular structure attributed to γ‐irradiation were studied by mechanical testing (flexure and hardness), size‐exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, and both Fourier transform infrared and solution 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the influence of the dose of γ rays on the fracture behavior of PMMA. The experimental results confirm that the PMMA degradation process involves chain scission. It was also observed that PMMA presents a brittle fracture mechanism and modifications in the color, becoming yellowish. The mechanical property curves show a similar pattern when the γ‐radiation dose increases. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 886–895, 2002 |
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Keywords: | poly(methyl methacrylate) γ ‐irradiation radiation damage yellowing |
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