Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Chemical Structure and the Physical Properties of Polycaprolactones of Different Molecular Weight

• DOI: 10.3390/polym10040397
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03T17:31:51Z
• Authors: Rodrigo Navarro; Guillermina Burillo; Esbaide Adem; Angel Marcos-Fern...
• Keywords: Chemical structure

Polymers used in the biomedical sector can be exposed to ionizing radiation (X-ray, gamma) vivo as implants or ex for sterilization purposes (gamma, electron beam). This can, at certain levels, cause degradation of polymer. Polycaprolactones (PCL) different molecular weights were irradiated with beam and changes their chemical structure physical properties dose evaluated. Electron irradiation produced crosslinking chain scission PCL without significant predominance one mechanism over other. Minimum gelation decreased increase weight whereas efficiency was almost independent weight. Carboxylic groups, hydroxyl groups new saturated hydrocarbon species detected by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These consistent a where could take place any bond preference ⁻COO⁻CH₂⁻ bond. Crosslinking significantly crystallization temperature PCL. Tensile continuously dose. Irradiation gamma rays faster decay mechanical than beam.