Nanogels and microgels of polypropylene obtained by gamma irradiation

In preparation of HMS-PP (polypropylene modified by gamma irradiation), we use the iPP (isotactic polypropylene) in pellets, which was packaged in plastic container an then irradiated with 60Co gamma source containing acetylene pressure of 110 kPa and at doses of 5, 12.5 and 20 kGy. The gel fraction of the samples was determined by extraction of soluble components in boiling xylene for 12 hours at 138 deg C. The soluble portion of the sample was decanted with the total volatilization of xylene at room temperature (25 deg C) and deposited on glass slides. These samples were characterized by: scanning electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope with field emission. In this study the morphology, we obtained the formation of microgels with a higher incidence of polypropylene in PP 12.5 kGy and 20 kGy. Also it was found nanoscale structures of gels of polypropylene (nanogels) in samples of PP 12.5 kGy. (author)