The Effect of Gamma Radiation on Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Polymers poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)

Brazilian poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3-HB), and its copolymer, poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), P(3-HB-co-3-HV) were irradiated with gamma radiation (Co-60) at room temperature and in the presence of oxygen. The viscosity-average molar mass (Mv) was analyzed by viscometry using an Ostwald-type capillary viscometer. Both polymers showed a decrease in molar mass with the increase in dose, reflecting that random main chain scissions occurred. The value G (scissions/100 eV of energy transferred to the system) and the parameter a (scissions per original molecule) were also determined. Mechanical properties decrease with the increase in dose, revealing that P(3-HB) underwent significant changes, especially at doses higher than 50 kGy. Tensile at break and impact resistance properties were the most affected by radiation, while the elastic modulus remained virtually unaltered up to 100 kGy dose.