Comparison of the effects of x-ray and gamma irradiation on engineering thermoplastics

Abstract

This article compares the effects of x-ray and gamma radiation on the mechanical properties and color of five different engineering resins that are frequently used in medical devices. This includes polycarbonate (standard and radiation stabilized), polycarbonate blends and polybutyl terephthalate. The study shows that x-ray and gamma radiation have similar effects on the materials at the same dose. In addition, it is shown that most tensile and impact test results are not affected by radiation up to 50kGy, except for the stress at yieldpoint for polycarbonate. Color is strongly influenced by the radiation. It is shown that a radiation stabilized polycarbonate with color compensation technology can be used to generate sterilized parts with neutral appearance.