Effect of Manganese on Radiation Vulcanization of Natural Rubber

Manganese was added as a promoter to investigate physico-mechanical properties of radiation-vulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL) films. RVNRL films were prepared by the addition of Mn with the concentration range 0–30 ppm to natural rubber latex and irradiated with various radiation doses (0–20 kGy). Tensile strength, tear strength, and cross-linking density of the irradiated rubber films increased with increasing the concentration of Mn ions as well as radiation doses. In contrast, elongation at break, permanent set, and swelling ratio of the films were decreased under the same conditions. The concentration of Mn ions and radiation doses were optimized and found to be 20 ppm and 12 kGy, respectively. The maximum tensile and tear strengths of irradiated rubber films were observed as 29.12 MPa and 44.78 N/mm, respectively at the optimum conditions. The mechanical properties of the films increased markedly with the addition of Mn until they attained the highest values of 33.88 MPa and 54.77 N/mm, respectively. These enhancements, which reached approximately 20% at the most favorable conditions, can be explained by the effect of transition metals in view of Fajan’s rules regarding the covalent character of ionic bonds and suggest that the higher the difference in charges between cation and anion, the higher the ability to form distortion or polarization of ions.     

Role of Divalent Metals in Polymer Degradation

The role of divalent metals in the degradation of the physico-mechanical properties of radiation-vulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL) films was investigated. RVNRL films were prepared by the addition of metals (Cu, Mg, etc.) of different concentrations (0–30ppm) to natural rubber latex and irradiated with various radiation doses (0–20kGy). The radiation doses were optimized (12kGy), and the adverse effect of metal ions was studied against a reference film prepared with no metal ions. Tensile strength, tear strength, and cross-linking density of the irradiated rubber films decreased with increasing metal ion concentrations and decreasing radiation doses. The mechanical properties of the films were reduced by 10–15% for 30ppm metal ions and at the optimum dose. In contrast, elongation at break, permanent set, and swelling ratio of the films increased at the same conditions. The relative effect of metal ions can be explained by the classical electron concept, reported in this article.     

Investigation of polymer degradation by addition of magnesium

The effect of alkali metal magnesium on polymer degradation of physico-mechanical properties of radiation-vulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL) films was investigated. RVNRL films were prepared by the addition of Mg of different concentrations (0–30 ppm) to natural rubber latex and irradiation with various radiation doses (0–20 kGy). The radiation doses were optimized (12 kGy), and the adverse effect of Mg was studied against a reference film prepared without metal. Tensile strength, tear strength, and cross-linking density of the irradiated rubber films were decreased with increasing metal ion concentrations and decreasing radiation doses. The mechanical properties of the films were reduced by nearly 10% for 30 ppm Mg ions and at the optimum dose. In contrast, elongation at break, permanent set, and swelling ratio of the films were increased at the same conditions. The maximum tensile and tear strengths of irradiated rubber films without additive were 29.33 MPa and 47.95 N/mm, respectively, at a radiation dose of 12 kGy, and these values were about six times higher than those of blank samples. With the addition of Mg, the corresponding values decrease continuously, and the minimum values were found to be 26.35 MPa and 42.675 N/mm, respectively. The effect of divalent alkali metal on polymer chain scission can be explained by the classical electron concept reported in this article.     

Gamma-Irradiated Gelatin-Based Films Modified by HEMA for Medical Application

The present article describes the synthesis and characterization of bi-component polymer systems based on gelatin films incorporated with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer, developed for medical application. Gelatin films were prepared by the addition of HEMA of different concentrations (0–30 wt.%) and irradiated with various radiation doses (0–5 kGy). Tensile strength and tear strength of the irradiated gelatin films were found to increase with increasing HEMA up to 20 wt.% as well as radiation doses (1 kGy) as optimized. The maximum tensile and tear strengths of irradiated gelatin films with HEMA were found to be 79.1 MPa and 83.2 N/mm, respectively, at the optimum conditions, and these values were about double that of a reference film prepared without additives. In addition, morphological analysis was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and showed how HEMA cemented and was covered with gelatin in the blend. Thermomechanical analysis was carried out to investigate the shifting of glass transition temperature (T_g) towards higher temperature due to HEMA addition, and the effect of this film was tested on the human body in order to determine whether it can be applied for medical purposes.     

Studies on radiation grafting of methyl methacrylate onto natural rubber for improving modulus of latex film

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) can be grafted onto natural rubber (NR) in latex by gamma irradiation for improving the mechanical properties of the dry films. Physical blending of MMA-grafted NR latex with radiation vulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL) or simultaneous radiation grafting and crosslinking are found to be useful techniques for improving the properties of latex films. Moduli of the films are improved with increasing MMA content; however, tensile strength is reduced. High modulus without much reduction in tensile strength can be achieved if the MMA content is 50–60 parts per hundred rubber.     

Characterization of gamma irradiated carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films loaded with metal salts and fertilizers

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films loaded with different metal ions and fertilizers have been successfully prepared by the solution casting technique. The prepared films were subjected to different doses of gamma radiation at room temperature. The preparation conditions such as effect of type of metals, fertilizers and radiation dose on gel fraction (%) and swelling (%) were investigated. The maximum value of gel fraction was obtained at 10 kGy radiation dose. The formation of CMC/metal complexes was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) which confirm the existence of possible interaction between CMC and metal ions. The loading of various metal ions to CMC films were found to enhance the mechanical properties of the prepared films. The results provided confirmation that metal coordination between the metal cation and the carboxylate group of CMC occurred.     

Fabrication and characterization of gamma-irradiated recycled (thermoplastic/elastomer) matrix filled with feldspar composites

A composite of waste polyethylene, recycled waste rubber powder and reactive compatibilizing agent maleic anhydride, 60/40/2 mass%, was loaded with increasing contents, up to 20 mass%, of the reinforcing filler, feldspar [K (Al SiO₃O₈)]. The composites were gamma-irradiated at various doses up to 150 kGy. Selected physical, mechanical, and thermal parameters were investigated as functions of radiation dose and filler content. Gamma irradiation led to a significant improvement in the properties for all composites irradiated with 150 kGy. Similarly, the increase in feldspar content provided substantial improvement in properties as a result of development in the interfacial adhesion between the filler particles and composite components. The results were confirmed by examining the fracture surfaces using scanning electron microscopic techniques.     

Radiation-assisted synthesis of iridium and rhodium nanoparticles supported on polyvinylpyrrolidone

The controlled synthesis of rhodium (Rh) and iridium (Ir) nanoparticles was carried out by gamma irradiation of aqueous solutions containing the metal precursor salt and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The nanoparticles were synthesized at various PVP and precursor concentrations with absorbed doses between 20 and 60 kGy. Nanoparticles with average sizes of 2.4 and 2.6 nm and narrow particle size distributions were obtained at metal precursor/PVP concentrations of 6/0.3 and 6/3 mM for Ir and Rh when irradiated at 60 kGy. The interaction of the nanoparticles surfaces with the PVP was studied.     

STUDY ON THE PROPERTIES OF BLEND OF NATURAL RUBBER LATEX/METHYL METHACRYLATE GRAFTED RUBBER LATEX BY GAMMA RADIATION

Natural rubber latex(NRL)and methyl methacrylate(MMA)grafted rubber latex were blended in different ratios and irradiated at various absorbed doses by gamma rays from Co-60 source at room temperature.The tensile properties, swelling ratio and permanent set were measured.The maximum tensile strength and modulus at 500% elongation were obtained at an absorbed dose of 8 kGy.Modulus increases from 6.99 MPa to 9.87 MPa for an increase in proportion of MMA grafted rubber from 40% to 60% in the blend at similar absorbed dose.Elongation at break and swelling ratio decrease with increasing absorbed dose as well as the MMA grafted rubber content in the blends.The decreasing trend of permanent set is high up to 5 kGy absorbed dose,and beyond that dose,it becomes almost flat.     

The sensitizing effect of acrylates on radiation vulcanization of natural rubber latex

The sensitizing effect of acrylates on radiation vulcanization of natural rubber latex was studied. The results indicate that Gc value of crosslinking (Gc) will be higher at the same radiation dose when a sensitizer exists, and Gc value decreases with the increase of radiation dose (D) conforming to the formula Gc=KD^-α, where K and α are constants depending on sensitizers. The more sensitizers added, the greater the Gc value. However, the viscosity of the natural rubber latex also increases rapidly along with the increase of sensitizers added.Some sensitizers, such as TMPTA, can decrease the optimum dose from about 200 kGy to approximately 20 kGy according to our experiment. The tensile strength of the film can reach round 20 MPa. Other physical properties are comparable to those of unsensitized.     

Effect of gamma radiation on the physico-chemical properties of alginate-based films and beads

Alginate solution (3%, w/v) was prepared using deionized water from its powder. Then the solution was exposed to gamma radiation (0.1?25 kGy). The alginate films were prepared by solution casting. It was found that gamma radiation has strong effect on alginate solution. At low doses, mechanical strength of the alginate films improved but after 5 kGy dose, the strength started to decrease. The mechanism of alginate radiolysis in aqueous solution is discussed. Film formation was not possible from alginate solution at doses >5 kGy. The mechanical properties such as puncture strength (PS), puncture deformation (PD), viscoelasticity (Y) coefficient of the un-irradiated films were investigated. The values of PS, PD and Y coefficient of the films were 333 N/mm, 3.20 mm and 27%, respectively. Alginate beads were prepared from 3% alginate solution (w/v) by ionotropic gelation method in 5% CaCl₂ solution. The rate of gel swelling improved in irradiated alginate-based beads at low doses (up to 0.5 kGy).     

Ammonia Decomposition Using Electron Beam

This study was carried out to determine the decomposition characteristics of ammonia using an electron beam (EB). Factors influencing these decomposition characteristics such as background gases (air, N₂, O₂, and He), initial ammonia concentration (50–150 ppm), relative humidity (0 or 90 %), and absorbed dose (1–15 kGy) were investigated. In the results of removal characteristics by different background gases, the decomposition efficiency of ammonia was lower (approximately 45 % at 5 kGy) when He was used as a background gas compared to the efficiencies when other background gases were selected. Ammonia removal efficiencies, when initial concentrations were 50 and 150 ppm, were 95 and 75 %, respectively, at 15 kGy. Ozone generation by EB irradiation increased from 2.5 kGy and reached a maximum of 45 ppm when 5 kGy of the absorbed dose was irradiated. However, ozone generation started to decrease when the absorbed dose exceeded 5 kGy and decreased to 0.27 ppm at 15 kGy.     

Radiodegradation of nadolol in the solid state and identification of its radiolysis products by UHPLC–MS method

Nadolol ((2R*,3S*)-5-{[(2R*)-3-(tert-butylamino)-2-hydroxypropyl]oxy}-1,2,3,4 tetrahydronaphthalene-2,3-diol) in substantia was exposed to ionizing radiation generated by a beam of high-energy electrons in an accelerator, in the standard sterilisation dose of 25 kGy and in higher doses of 50 ? 400 kGy. The irradiated and non-irradiated (control) samples were analysed by the infrared spectrophotometry, electron paramagnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS). The irradiated samples were found to contain free radicals in concentrations much higher than that observed for the other irradiated β-blockers. On the basis of UHPLC–MS results, it was possible to establish structures of 11 compounds of the impurities and/or products of nadolol decomposition. The main product of radiodegradation was concluded to be formed as a result of abstraction of the hydroxyl group and aromatization of the tetrahydronaphthalene ring. The results of DSC measurements confirmed the presence of radiolysis products in the irradiated samples of nadolol. A shift of the endothermic peak corresponding to melting towards lower temperatures (by 4.4 °C at the dose of 400 kGy) was directly proportional to the doses of radiation used, which permits concluding that this method is sensitive and suitable for evaluation of radiodegradation of nadolol in solid phase.     

Physical properties of gamma irradiated poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel preparations

Poly(vinyl alcohol) films from 15% w/w aqueous solutions and a thickness of 0.2 mm were selected for this study. The films were first humidified and then acetalized and/or gamma irradiated. Then, their physical properties were tested. Tensile strength of the hydrogel films reached its maximum value in samples irradiated with a 80 kGy dose, in the case of acetalized films the dose necessary for maximum tensile strength was only 40 kGy. The combination of acetalization with formaldehyde and gamma radiation produced an elastic hydrogel with good tackiness and excellent mechanical and thermal strength.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of irradiated poly(vinyl chloride)/calcium carbonate composite

A composite consisting of PVC and CaCO₃ particles was irradiated with different doses of Gamma rays or electron beam in order to compensate the tensile strength decreases by filler addition. The deployment of irradiation process on the composite improved significantly the tensile strength by about 10–20 % using E-beam and Gamma irradiation at a dose of 250 kGy, respectively. Moreover, the irradiated composite exhibited higher thermal stability. Two thermal dehydrochlorination processes after irradiation have been observed instead of three thermal process before. The calculation of the activation energy of each step showed that initiation step consumed about 60 % of the used energy.     

Degradation behavior of poly (l-lactide-co-glycolide) films through gamma-ray irradiation

Gamma-ray irradiation is a very useful tool to improve the physicochemical properties of various biodegradable polymers without the use of a heating and crosslinking agent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the degradation behavior of poly (l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) depending on the applied gamma-ray irradiation doses. PLGA films prepared through a solvent casting method were irradiated with gamma radiation at various irradiation doses. The irradiation was performed using 60Co gamma-ray doses of 25–500 kGy at a dose rate of 10 kGy/h.The degradation of irradiated films was observed through the main chain scission. Exposure to gamma radiation dropped the average molecular weight (M_n and M_w), and weakened the mechanical strength. Thermograms of irradiated film show various changes of thermal properties in accordance with gamma-ray irradiation doses. Gamma-ray irradiation changes the morphology of the surface, and improves the wettability. In conclusion, gamma-ray irradiation will be a useful tool to control the rate of hydrolytic degradation of these PLGA films.     

Thermogravimetric and calorimetric study of cellulose paper at low doses of gamma irradiation

The study of the behaviour of cellulose materials at low doses of ionizing radiation regained the interest because of the recent results showing that physical properties of the paper have less or no changes for absorbed doses below 10 kGy, despite the high decrease of the degree of polymerization. The understanding of the relationship among molecular, microscopic and macroscopic changes in cellulose materials may change the current opinion that irradiation of paper is not the best choice for conservation of cultural heritage. The aim of this study is to reveal the changes in gamma-irradiated pure cellulose paper by simultaneous TG/DSC analysis. For cellulose fibres, the thermal decomposition parameters depend on the cellulose degree of polymerization. For high irradiation doses, there is established a relationship between the absorbed dose and the degree of polymerization. However, a direct relationship between absorbed dose and the parameters of cellulose thermal decomposition for low irradiation doses was not established either in the literature or in our study. By using a peak separation technique, we studied the changes in the region of water loss (70–150 °C) and physical ageing (160–300 °C) for Whatman paper with low initial water content (<1 %), previously gamma irradiated at doses between 0 and 30 kGy. We concluded that strength of the hydrogen bond structure is increasing up to a point when the stress produces fractures in the fibrilar structure. This may explain the results reported for mechanical tests at low dose irradiation and it is in agreement with scanning electron microscopy pictures showing changes in fibril structure at high irradiation doses. Cellulose irradiated at low doses maintains its original hydrogen bond structure despite the decrease of the degree of polymerization.     

Analytical study on irradiated methylxanthine derivatives

The effect of ionising radiation on the physico-chemical properties of three derivatives of xanthine: caffeine, theophylline and theobromine, has been studied. The above-drugs in the solid phase have been irradiated with E-beam of the energy 9.96 MeV with the doses varied from 25 to 400 kGy. The effects of the irradiation have been examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results have shown that the methylxanthine derivatives studied are resistant to ionising irradiation in the doses usually used for sterilisation (<50 kGy), which means that they are relatively radiochemically stable and can be sterilised by irradiation.     

Effect of gamma irradiation on the antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra root

The efficacy of gamma irradiation as a method of decontamination for food and herbal materials is well established. In the present study, Glycyrrhiza glabra roots were irradiated at doses 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 kGy in a cobalt-60 irradiator. The irradiated and un-irradiated control samples were evaluated for phenolic contents, antimicrobial activities and DPPH scavenging properties. The result of the present study showed that radiation treatment up to 20 kGy does not affect the antifungal and antibacterial activity of the plant. While sample irradiated at 25 kGy does showed changes in the antibacterial activity against some selected pathogens. No significant differences in the phenolic contents were observed for control and samples irradiated at 5, 10 and 15 kGy radiation doses. However, phenolic contents increased in samples treated with 20 and 25 kGy doses. The DPPH scavenging activity significantly (p<0.05) increased in all irradiated samples of the plant.     

Fabrication and mechanical characterization of biodegradable and synthetic polymeric films: Effect of gamma radiation

Chitosan (1 wt%, in 2% aqueous acetic acid solution) and starch (1 wt%, in deionised water) were dissolved and mixed in different proportions (20–80 wt% chitosan) then films were prepared by casting. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the 50% chitosan containing starch-based films were found to be 47 MPa and 16%, respectively. It was revealed that with the increase of chitosan in starch, the values of TS improved significantly. Monomer, 2-butane diol-diacrylate (BDDA) was added into the film forming solutions (50% starch-based), then casted films. The BDDA containing films were irradiated under gamma radiation (5–25 kGy) and it was found that strength of the films improved significantly. On the other hand, synthetic petroleum-based polymeric films (polycaprolactone, polyethylene and polypropylene) were prepared by compression moulding. Mechanical and barrier properties of the films were evaluated. The gamma irradiated (25 kGy) films showed higher strength and better barrier properties.