Chemical resistance analysis of coextruded ABS/PMMA sheets subjected to ultraviolet (UV) light and ionizing electron beam (EB) radiation

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the chemical resistance of coextruded ABS/PMMA sheets subjected to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and electron beam (EB) irradiation. The samples were exposed to different UV doses (125, 200, and 300 WPI) and EB doses (50 and 100 kGy), and subsequently tested according to the criteria established by the ABNT NBR 15761 standard. Chemical agents were systematically applied to the surface of the samples, and the resulting damage was classified from Grade 4 (no visible change) to Grade 1 (severe degradation). EB-irradiated samples exhibited yellowing, a phenomenon not observed in UV-treated or non-irradiated specimens. Overall, both irradiated and non-irradiated samples showed similar performance in terms of chemical resistance, displaying vulnerability when exposed to acetone, ballpoint pen ink, and permanent markers. The results suggest that radiation-induced crosslinking via UV and EB did not significantly enhance the chemical resistance of PMMA.