Effect of gamma irradiation on the structural and color properties of CR 6-2 polycarbonate

Abstract EN

Samples from sheets of CR 6-2 polymeric material have been exposed to gamma rays in the dose range 20-400 KGy.

The modifications induced in CR 6-2 samples due to gamma irradiation have been studied through different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction XRD, intrinsic viscosity, refractive index and color difference studies.

The results indicated that the crosslinking is the dominant mechanism in the dose range 150-400 KGy.

This crosslinking destroyed the degree of order in the CR 6-2 samples associated with an increase in intrinsic viscosity values.

This indicates an increase in the average molecular mass.

Additionally, the non irradiated CR 6-2 sample showed significant color sensitivity towards gamma irradiation.

The sensitivity in color change towards gamma irradiation appeared in the change in the blue color component of the non irradiated CR 6-2 film to yellow after exposure to gamma up to 400 KGy.

This is accompanied by a net increase in the darkness of the samples.