Abstract
The effects of gamma sterilization and/or cross linking on the band gap properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were studied with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Sheets of UHMWPE were prepared and irradiated for total dose values of 25kGy, 50kGy, 100kGy, and 150kGy, respectively. After irradiation, samples were tested for reflectance measurements over the wavelength range of 200nm to 1200nm. Kubleka-Munk function obtained from each measurement was then used to extract the band gap properties of each sample. The properties included were: Urbach energy (Eu), direct and indirect energy band gaps and number of atoms in CC unsaturation and/or conjugation. The results revealed that Urbach energy (Eu) had linear correlation with absorbed dose having goodness of fit, slope, and intercept values of 94%, 0.70, and 156 meV, respectively. In addition to this, linear decrease and dependence of CC unsaturation and/or conjugation on direct energy band gaps and absorbed dose were also evident. This behavior was attributed to radiation induced structural damage and alterations which included both chemical and physical alterations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
