Radiation processing of Nylon 6 by e-beam for improved properties and performance

Percent water absorption of Nylon 6 was reduced substantially when irradiated by e-beam radiation in presence of triallyl isocyanurate. Hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance of Nylon 6 were also improved with the dose of e-beam radiation. Improvement of mechanical properties and reduction of water absorption were due to the cross-linking of polyamide molecules in the presence of high-energy radiation. Increase of cross-linking with increasing radiation dose was verified by the increase of gel content at higher doses.