Effects of gamma radiation on nanocomposite films of polycaprolactone with modified MCM-48

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to assess the effects of gamma radiation on nanocomposite films (NC films) formed by PCL (polycaprolactone) with MCM-48 nanoparticles (PCL/MCM-48) and PCL with MCM-48 NPs modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) (PCL/MCM-48-NH₂). The nanocomposite films were obtained using the solvent casting method. After preparing the films, they were irradiated at 25 kGy in the presence of air and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), as well as for their mechanical properties. The exposure of NC films to gamma radiation at 25 kGy did not cause major changes in either thermal or mechanical properties such as tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The results revealed that gamma radiation was a successful choice for the sterilization of these materials.

Keywords:
gamma radiation; MCM-48; mechanical properties; polycaprolactone