Enhancement of biodegradability of polylactides by γ-ray irradiation

Foram Dave, Josemon Jacob, Asokan Kandasami, Marion McAfee, David Tormey

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Polylactide, PLA (also called Polylactic acid) is an aliphatic polyester that exhibits a slow rate of biodegradation due to its non-polar nature. In this study, it is demonstrated that gamma rays enhance the biodegradability of PLA. The pristine PLA samples were irradiated by gamma rays with various doses: i.e., 25, 50, 75, and 100 kGy. These irradiated samples were analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), and contact angle measurements to understand the functionalization of this polymer. While the FTIR analysis shows the emergence of a new band at 3400-3600 cm-1 corresponding to -OH groups in alcohols, hydroperoxides, and carboxylic acids, the TGA results exhibit a change from a single step to a two-step degradation pathways upon γ-rays irradiation which is attributable to the formation of polar -OH groups. The DSC results indicate a decrease in Tg due to the decrease in the molecular weight after γ-rays irradiation which is also consistent with the results from the gel permeation chromatography. The decrease in the contact angles of the γ-rays irradiated samples provides evidence for hydroxyl functionalization. This study shows that γ-rays irradiation enhances the biodegradability of PLA.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 36th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society, PPS 2021
EditorsAbdellah Ajji, Frej Mighri, Hani E. Naguib
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9780735445062
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 May 2023
Event36th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society, PPS 2021 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: 26 Sep 202129 Sep 2021

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume2607
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference36th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society, PPS 2021
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period26/09/2129/09/21

Keywords

  • Gamma-rays
  • hydroxyl functionalization
  • irradiation
  • poly(lactic acid).

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