Investigation of X‐Rays, e‐Beam, and Gamma Irradiation on Chemical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene‐Derivatives

ABSTRACT This research investigated the impact of gamma, e‐beam, and X‐ray irradiation on medical‐grade polypropylene (PP). A comprehensive array of analytical methods was employed to assess the chemical and physical changes in irradiated PP. The main findings revealed that irradiation did not significantly affect the mechanical properties, as tensile strength and elongation at break remained unaltered across all irradiation types and doses. Thermal analysis using DSC indicated a slight reduction in melting temperature at higher doses. ESR identified peroxyl radicals, which decayed similarly regardless of dose or irradiation type. Colorimetric analysis revealed yellowing in PP samples, particularly with gamma and X‐ray irradiation, likely associated with specific additives. HPLC analysis showed that the oxidation potential was more influenced by the PP formulation than by the irradiation technology.