Abstract

ALBANO, Carmen et al. Gamma-radiation effects in pp stabilized with different additives. Rev. Fac. Ing. UCV [online]. 2009, vol.24, n.2, pp.59-69. ISSN 0798-4065.

In this work, the stabilization of polypropylene (PP) to be sterilized using Gamma radiation at doses of 25 and 50 kGy was evaluated. The PP was melt blended with different additives, such as hindered amines (Chimassorb 944), phenol stabilizers (BHT), blends of stabilizers such as phosphites with a hindered amine (Fiberstab L 112), SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene terpolymer) and montmorillonite organically modified with octadecylamine. The addition of BHT+Chimassorb 944 conferred higher stabilization to PP, which was ascertained through lower changes in its MFI values after irradiation. These changes were significant lower when compared to those experienced by pure PP and PP with the other additives tested. Additionally, the changes in MFI were larger when nitrogen was used as irradiation atmosphere. The tensile strength of PP when BHT+Chimassorb 944 were used remained almost unchanged after irradiation at the different doses, independently of the atmosphere used in the process

Keywords : Gamma radiation; Polypropylene; Stabilization; Aditives; Degradation.