Gamma radiation induced tailoring the structural, optical, surface and mechanical properties of UHMWPE

• Published in: Progress in nuclear energy (New series) Vol. 177; p. 105481
• Main Authors: Alsufyani, Sultan J., Zaki, M.F., Soliman, T.S., Alresheedi, Nadi Mlihan, Al-Naggar, Tayseer I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Biocompatibility parameters; Gamma irradiation; Mechanical properties; Optical properties; Structural properties; UHMWPE; Mechanical properties; Gamma irradiation; UHMWPE; Biocompatibility parameters; Optical properties; Structural properties
• ISSN: 0149-1970
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2024.105481

The present investigation examined how the resultant gamma radiation affected the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene's (UHMWPE) mechanical, optical, surface, and structural characteristics. Different gamma doses of 75, 150, 250, and 350 kGy were applied to the UHMWPE samples. The study of physical and chemical qualities has involved a variety of spectroscopy techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, mechanical property changes, and biocompatibility properties. New bands are formed, as indicated by FT-IR analysis, and this process is linked to the oxidation of irradiation polymer chains and the production of carbon dioxide. The crystallinity of irradiated samples increases as the gamma radiation increases, according to XRD patterns. The analyzed optical results exhibit improvements in the optical characteristics of the irradiated samples. The absorbance spectra of the irradiated samples showed a shift toward the high of wavelength values in the absorption edge as compared to the pristine sample. On the other hand, the optical absorption edge has an increasing tendency as the dose of gamma-ray radiation is increased. As the gamma-ray dose increases, the absorption edge moves toward the longer wavelength. The measurements of the contact angle indicate that the surface free energy rises with increasing gamma irradiation. It was detailed how the mechanical properties of the irradiated UHMWPE samples were measured. The mechanical measurements indicate that the mechanical properties are dose-dependent to some extent. Furthermore, as gamma doses rise, so does the hardness of irradiated UHMWPE. [Display omitted] •Investigated browsed to be the effect of gamma radiation on the UHMWPE films.•FT-IR analysis shows amendments in the intensity upon gamma-irradiation.•Gamma-irradiations alter the crystalline size the irradiated UHMWPE films.•An enhancement was observed in the optical properties of irradiated UHMWPE films.•Irradiated films' mechanical and surface properties underwent induced alterations.