Effect of electron beam irradiation on physico-chemical properties of polyacrylamide films

High-energy radiation is a well-known technique for the modification of polymers. In this experimental study, the effect of electron beam (EB) radiation on physico-chemical properties of polyacrylamide films has been investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric techniques. UV-VIS and FTIR results show that some small structural changes occurring in the polymer depending upon the dose of radiation. SEM micrographs reveal that there is no significant change in the morphology with EB irradiation. Thermal studies indicate that there may be small amount of cross-linking taking place for lower doses of radiation. At higher doses of radiation, however, degradation or chain scission begins to occur. Tensile strength of the films found to be increases upon irradiation at lower doses.