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Improving gamma radiation resistance: Medical grade, flexible clear PVC compounds
Author(s) -
Luther Douglas W.,
Linsky Leonard A.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of vinyl and additive technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.295
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1548-0585
pISSN - 1083-5601
DOI - 10.1002/vnl.10122
Subject(s) - plasticizer , stabilizer (aeronautics) , materials science , irradiation , gamma irradiation , gamma ray , composite material , radiation , chemical engineering , mechanical engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , astrophysics , nuclear physics , engineering
Abstract Flexible clear PVC compounds tend to yellow and darken during and after exposure to gamma radiation. This has been an obstacle to their use in the medical market. The purpose of this investigation was to improve the gamma stability of flexible PVC. The variables of interest were resin molecular weight, plasticizer loading, stabilizer type, and choice of antioxidant. By screening resins, plasticizers, stabilizers, lubricants, and antioxidants, a promising candidate formulation was identified and optimized by statistically designed experiment, with hardness added as an additional variable. The criterion for improvement was color change after gamma irradiation, compared with an identical unexposed specimen. Thus, a series of gamma stable formulations were created exhibiting improved post irradiation color stability.