Abstract

The effects of γ-irradiation on the physico-chemical stability and mechanical properties of commercial polypropylene (PP) have been investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolent visible spectroscopy and tensile test. The γ-irradiation of polypropylene led to remarkable changes in the physico-chemical properties of the material due to chain scission, oxygen effects and cross-linking activities. These changes result in the production of degraded products such as water vapor, carbon monoxide from hydroxyl and carbonyl groups as confirmed by Raman and Ultraviolent Visible spectroscopic analyses. It was observed that the melting temperature and crystallinity reduce as radiation doses increases. Likewise, there were losses in mechanical properties of the polymer as indicated by reduction in elongation to fracture and reduction in tensile strength of the materials as dose increases.

Key words: γ-Irradiation, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolent visible spectroscopy tensile test.