Radiation processing of biodegradable polymer and hydrogel

Poly(ε-caprolactone), PCL, (melting temperature 60degC) was gamma-irradiated in the solid state at 30 to 55degC, the molten state, and the supercooled state(irradiation at 45 to 55degC after melting, 80degC) under vacuum to improve its heat resistance. Irradiation of PCL in the supercooled state led to the highest gel content and this polymer has high heat resistance. On the other hand, relatively smaller doses such as 15 and 30 kGy were effective to improve processability of PCL by formation of branch structure during irradiation. It was found that carboxymethylcellulose with relatively high degree of substitution led crosslinking at high concentration in aqueous solution such as 10% by irradiation. (author)