Electron beam irradiation effects on poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Changes in poly(ethylene terephthalate) subjected to electron beam irradiation at doses up to 15 MGy and dose rate of 1.65 MGy/h, were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, molecular weight measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Irradiated samples showed a decrease of molecular weight with a minimum at 5 MGy, which is attributed to chain scission of the macromolecules and then an increase at further doses due to branching and some degradation effect. Irradiation in air is not an important factor because the high dose rate of irradiation inhibits oxygen diffusion in the samples.