Influence of gamma-ray irradiation on certain properties of polycaproamide (from Bulg.)

Little systematic data on the influence of ionization radiation on the polycaproamide (PCA) (activation mechanism, radiochemical processes, mode of property variation) and PCA fibres is available. PCA fibres are produced from a polymer containing different admixtures, such as thermal stabilizers, antistatics, matting agents, etc., aimed at improving the operational properties of the fibres. The polymer admixtures exert a substantial influence on the nature of the radiochemical processes taking place in the polymers. The aim of the present paper is to study the variation in certain physico-chemical and physical properties of PCA after the application of gamma-ray irradiation, and to explain the character of the radiochemical processes resulting from the irradiation. (author)