Effect of gamma irradiation on shape memory, thermal and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of gamma irradiation on the shape memory, thermal and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone (PCL) was investigated. Triallylisocyanurate (TAIC) was used as crosslinker. It was found that gamma irradiation influence the shape memory and mechanical properties of PCL by introducing crosslinking in its network. The degree of crosslinking was analysed by gel content. Gel content up to 50% was obtained with 50 kGy irradiation dose. With the incorporation of crosslinking via irradiation, shape memory property was generated in PCL. Shape recovery up to 95% was observed with 25 kGy radiation dose. Thermal analysis by DSC showed no significant change in melting and crystallization temperature after irradiation. XRD analysis revealed that the crystallized domains of PCL remain intact after irradiation. Mechanical properties viz. tensile strength and Young's modulus increases with irradiation, meanwhile a decrease in elongation was observed. The findings revealed that crosslinking introduced through gamma irradiation along with TAIC is effective in tailoring the shape memory, thermal and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone for different applications.