Differences in properties of pro-degradant added PP and gamma-irradiated PP under environmental aging

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) is used for different sectors of the industry and in consequence produces a large amount of waste discarded at landfills causing serious environmental impacts. Controlled degradation of PP can be achieved by exposing the polymers to defined parameters, such as absorbed radiation dose, weather, oxygen, etc. The aim of this study was to compare two methods of accelerated degradation: gamma irradiation of PP 20 kGy and the incorporation of the commercial pro-degradant d2w® (1 wt%) in PP. Dumbbell samples were manufactured by the injection process and exposed to the environment aging for 90 days. Structural changes in PP macromolecules are created upon exposure to ionizing radiation such as main chain scission, crosslinking and peroxidation (in presence of air). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mechanical tests characterized the samples. The samples previously irradiated, PP 20 kGy, after natural aging showed higher oxidation and presence of surface cracks than the PP d2w®. They also showed presence of carbonyl groups and decrease of melting temperature corroborating with oxo-degradation.