Some effects of radiation treatment of biodegradable PCL/PLA blends

Abstract

Abstract Changes in melt flow rate (MFR), mechanical properties, and morphology occurring upon the electron beam (EB) irradiation of polycaprolactone/polylactide (PCL/PLA) blends were discussed. Reference samples and examined blends were prepared using co-rotating twin screw extruder. The obtained materials were irradiated with high-energy EB. The applied radiation dose was 40 kGy. Studies have shown that EB irradiation affected the properties of PCL/PLA blends in different ways. In the case of pure PLA and blends with a significant content of PLA the degradation process mainly occurred, whereas in pure PCL and blends with a significant content of PCL the degradation process was almost absent. Moreover, it was found that properties of PCL/PLA blends depended mainly on the content of PLA phase that was more susceptible to electron radiation than the PCL one.