Influence of γ-irradiation on poly(methyl methacrylate)

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, t...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied polymer science 2002-07, Vol.85 (4), p.886-895
Main Authors: Suarez, João Carlos Miguez, Mano, Eloisa Biasotto, Da Costa Monteiro, Elisabeth Ermel, Tavares, Maria Inês Bruno
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Crosslinking and degradation
Exact sciences and technology
Physicochemistry of polymers
poly(methyl methacrylate)
Polymers and radiations
radiation damage
yellowing
γ-irradiation
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary: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
ISSN:0021-8995
1097-4628
DOI:10.1002/app.10706