Effect of electron beam irradiation sterilization on the biomedical poly (octene-co-ethylene)/polypropylene films

The effect of electron beam irradiation with the dose ranging from 15 to 40 kGy on poly (octene-co-ethylene) (POE)/polypropylene (PP) films was investigated. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), yellowness index testing and mechanical performance measurement were applied to characterize the films. It demonstrated that crystalline structure exhibited little change, and degree of crystallinity slightly change under the irradiation treatment. Irradiation brought about oxidation of the films, forming hydroxyl groups of the peroxides and carbonyl groups. Tensile properties become worse as irradiation dose increased. Electron beam irradiation with the dose of 15-40 kGy has little effect on crystalline performance and a little influence for the POE/PP films, indicating a good irradiation resistance.