Effect of electron-beam and gamma-irradiation on physicochemical and mechanical properties of polypropylene syringes as a function of irradiation dose: Study under vacuum

The effect of electron-beam and gamma irradiation under vacuum on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of commercial polypropylene (PP) syringes was studied. Irradiation doses of 30, 60 and 120 kGy were used while for comparison purposes respective non-irradiated (control) PP syringes were also studied. Mechanical tests, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, color determination and FTIR were carried out to evaluate the effect of both irradiation treatments (electron-beam and gamma irradiation) on PP syringes. Both compression strength and % extension at break decreased with increasing irradiation dose. Melting temperature as well as specific melting enthalpy also decreased while the degree of yellowness increased with increasing irradiation dose. Minor differences in FTIR spectra were observed after irradiation treatment.