Changes in the Physical Properties of Polypropylene Resin by E-beam Irradiation

Junghoo Lee; Yongseok Cho

doi:10.3740/MRSK.2025.35.11.546

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2025 Vol.35, Issue 11 Preview Page Next Page

Research Paper

Changes in the Physical Properties of Polypropylene Resin by E-beam Irradiation 전자선 조사에 의한 폴리프로필렌 수지의 물리적 특성 변화

27 November 2025. pp. 546-555

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Abstract

This study investigates the effects of electron beam irradiation (0-125 kGy) on the physical properties of polypropylene (PP) resin. Changes in thermal stability and crystallinity were analyzed using DSC and TGA, while FT-IR confirmed the introduction of polar groups and structural modifications. Colorimetric analysis (CIE-Lab) demonstrated that the color difference (∆E) and yellowing index (YI) increased progressively with irradiation dose, corresponding to the formation of oxidized chromophoric species. Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed a clear reduction in molecular weight and the formation of low-molecular volatile compounds, providing direct evidence of chain scission processes. Contact angle measurements showed that electron beam treatment altered surface energy and wettability, reflecting a transition from non-polar to moderately polar surface characteristics. Overall, electron beam irradiation induces simultaneous molecular and physical changes in PP, influencing its heat resistance, mechanical integrity, color stability, and surface properties. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of radiation-induced polymer modification and highlight the potential of controlled electron beam processing as an effective method for tailoring the structure and functionality of polyolefin-based materials for advanced industrial applications.

Keywords

electron beam irradiation

polypropylene

thermal properties

molecular weight distribution

surface properties

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Information

Publisher :Materials Research Society of Korea
Publisher(Ko) :한국재료학회
Journal Title :Korean Journal of Materials Research
Journal Title(Ko) :한국재료학회지
Volume : 35
No :11
Pages :546-555
Received Date : 2025-10-27
Revised Date : 2025-11-04
Accepted Date : 2025-11-05
DOI :https://doi.org/10.3740/MRSK.2025.35.11.546

Korean Journal of Materials Research ISSN:1225-0562(Print) 2287-7258(Online) 한국재료학회지

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