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

• Mechanical properties of Pebax and Irganox 565 can be controlled by radiation dose
• Virgin Pebax and Pebax blended with Irgnaox B215 provides good radiation resistance
• MFI decreases gradually for the Virgin Pebax with an increase in radiation dose
• Molecular weight of Pebax and Irganox B215 is less effected by radiation dose
• Simultaneous chain scission and crosslinking/branching occurs during irradiation

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.

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