Irradiation Effects on Polymer Properties
Summary
Irradiation by gamma rays, electron beams or X-rays induces fundamental changes in polymer structure and performance. Interaction of high-energy photons or electrons with macromolecules generates free radicals that may recombine to form crosslinked networks or undergo chain scission, altering molecular weight, crystallinity and morphology. The balance between these competing processes depends on polymer chemistry, crystallinity and irradiation dose. Modifications manifest in thermal transitions, mechanical strength, surface wettability, chemical resistance and long-term stability. Controlled crosslinking can enhance heat resistance, dimensional stability and chemical inertness for applications in cables, pipes and medical devices, while excessive scission degrades tensile properties and promotes oxidative ageing. Advances in alternative sterilisation technologies (electron beam and X-ray) have spurred renewed interest in comparative studies of irradiation modalities, dose optimisation and radical trapping in highly crystalline polymers. The global significance spans healthcare sterilisation, industrial processing and emerging high-performance materials, where tailoring irradiation conditions unlocks bespoke property profiles without the need for chemical additives.
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Irradiation Effects on Polymer Properties publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in irradiation effects on polymer properties across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Crosslinking: The formation of covalent bonds between polymer chains, creating a three-dimensional network that enhances thermal and mechanical stability.
Chain scission: Cleavage of polymer backbone bonds, reducing molecular weight and often leading to mechanical weakening and increased solubility.
Free radical: A reactive molecular fragment bearing an unpaired electron, generated by irradiation and driving subsequent chemical transformations.
Spherulite: A radial, semicrystalline aggregation of lamellae in polymers, whose size and density affect mechanical and optical properties.
Gel fraction: The insoluble portion of a polymer after solvent extraction, indicative of the extent of network formation through crosslinking.
References
- Compatibility of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/EVA films with gamma, electron-beam, and X-ray irradiation. npj Materials Degradation (2023).
- Study of crystallization behaviour of electron beam irradiated polypropylene and high-density polyethylene. Royal Society Open Science (2021).
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