The influence of electron beam irradiation on the mechanical and thermal properties of Poly (ether-block-amide) blends

Kieran A. Murray, James E. Kennedy, Brian McEvoy, Olivier Vrain, Damien Ryan, Richard Cowman, Clement L. Higginbotham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

High energy electron beam irradiation of Poly (ether-block-amide) (Pebax) can induce modifications and/or degradation to transpire in the material subsequent to treatment. To minimise this, Pebax was blended with three stabilisers where each formulation was subjected to electron beam radiation at doses of 25, 50 and 75. kGy. Mechanical testing revealed that the virgin Pebax and the Pebax blended with Irganox B215 provided the best radiation resistance in terms of the tensile strength, elongation at break and Young's modulus. Upon increase in radiation dose from 25 to 75. kGy, a gradual diminution was observed for the melt flow index (MFI) of the virgin Pebax, whereas Pebax blended with Irganox B215 had a minute effect on the properties post irradiation. This study provides evidence that the stabilisers used can either promote undesirable effects or enhance the radiation resistance of Pebax material following radiation exposure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)26-30
Number of pages5
JournalRadiation Physics and Chemistry
Volume94
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • Crosslinking and chain scission
  • Electron beam irradiation
  • Mechanical and thermal properties
  • Poly (ether-block-amide)
  • Stabilisers

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The influence of electron beam irradiation on the mechanical and thermal properties of Poly (ether-block-amide) blends'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this