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The Effect of γ ‐Irradiation on the Structure and Properties of Poly(propylene)/Clay Nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Touati Naima,
Kaci Mustapha,
Ahouari Hania,
Bruzaud Stéphane,
Grohens Yves
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.200700260
Subject(s) - nanocomposite , materials science , irradiation , kinetics , degradation (telecommunications) , radical , polymer , chemical engineering , catalysis , polymer chemistry , composite material , organic chemistry , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , computer science , nuclear physics , engineering , telecommunications
The oxidative degradation of PP/OMMT nanocomposites under γ ‐irradiation was studied. Changes in structure and properties resulting from γ ‐exposure in the range 0–100 kGy were investigated. The results were analyzed by comparing the influence of PP ‐g‐ MA and pristine OMMT on the oxidation kinetics of neat PP. γ ‐Irradiation in the presence of air strongly degraded the properties of PP materials, particularly for radiation doses above 20 kGy. The rate of oxidative degradation of PP/OMMT/PP ‐g‐ MA nanocomposites was much faster than that of neat PP. This suggests that PP ‐g‐ MA and pristine OMMT components behave as oxidation catalysts, leading to the formation of free radicals in the polymer matrix.