Gamma-induced modifications of polycarbonate polymer

Abstract

Gamma-induced modifications in polycarbonate polymer have been studied in the dose range of 10(1)-10(6) Gy. Thin films of polycarbonate have been irradiated with different gamma doses from a Co-60 source. To monitor the modifications caused by gamma radiation, FT-IR, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies have been performed. The studies have indicated that at the dose of 10(6) Gy, phenolic group forms through scissioning of ester linkage. Though the effect of radiation is most significant at the highest dose, the process of modifications starts at 10(3) Gy. Scissioning of the polymeric chain initiates a different morphological zone within the polymer matrix, and the polymer becomes more crystalline with increasing dose. Owing to chain scissioning, the mobility of the polymer increases, which in turn reduces the glass transition temperature of the polymer.