Rheological evidence of modifications of polypropylene by β-irradiation

• Published in: Rheologica acta 2003-05, Vol.42 (3), p.251-258
• Main Authors: SCHULZE, Dirk, TRINKLE, Stefan, MIILHAUPT, Rolf, FRIEDRICH, Christian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chain branching; Chemical reactions; Creep (materials); Crosslinking; Crosslinking and degradation; Degradation; Electron beams; Electron irradiation; Exact sciences and technology; Gelation; Mechanical properties; Molecular weight; Molecular weight distribution; Organic chemistry; Parameters; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymers and radiations; Polypropylene; Radiation dosage; Rheological properties; Rheology; State (computer science)
• ISSN: 0035-4511; 1435-1528
• DOI: 10.1007/s00397-002-0282-7

Electron beam irradiation can be used to induce chemical changes in polymers. The resulting reactions lead to both degradation and crosslinking of polymer chains, depending on reaction conditions. In neat polypropylene, degradation dominates and results in a decrease of molecular weight and worsening of mechanical properties. Enhanced crosslinking can be achieved by utilising a polyfunctional monomer. Triallylisocyanurate (TAIC) serves this purpose and can be used to crosslink polypropylene effectively. The corresponding changes of the rheological properties can be observed using oscillatory and creep experiments when changing the amount of TAIC added as well as the absorbed radiation dose. Depending on these parameters, we attribute the rheological properties to chain degradation or formation of a network and gelation. The phase angle vs the dynamic modulus plot is a useful analytical tool for characterisation of the resultant structures. Some samples showed behaviour that leads us to assume broadening of the molecular weight distribution and long chain branching. Resulting from the parameter dependencies, a topological state diagram is proposed to map parameter values to corresponding polymer structures.