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Characterization of degradation of polypropylene nonwovens irradiated by γ‐ray
Author(s) -
Keene Brandi,
Bourham Mohamed,
Viswanath Vidya,
Avci Huseyin,
Kotek Richard
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.39917
Subject(s) - polypropylene , degradation (telecommunications) , irradiation , characterization (materials science) , materials science , composite material , polymer science , computer science , nanotechnology , physics , nuclear physics , telecommunications
ABSTRACT Polypropylene is a leading commercial, fiber‐forming polymer due to its low cost and potential for making high strength fibers. As the polymer of choice in the biomedical field, polypropylene contains only two elements, namely carbon and hydrogen. As a result, it is very hydrophobic and bio‐inert lacking biodegradability in the landfill. Meltblown and spunbond polypropylene nonwovens were exposed to γ‐radiation doses up to 25 kGy. The changes in morphology, chemical, thermal, and tensile properties were characterized by various analytical techniques. Following γ‐radiation, the FTIR spectrum illustrated an increase in carbonyl groups suggesting radio‐oxidation. Additionally, there was a decrease in thermal and tensile properties indicating deterioration of the polymer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131 , 39917.