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Gamma radiation induced changes in polyoxymethylene

H.R.Sreepad, H.R.Ravi, Khaleel Ahmed

In the present investigation, a technologically important polymer Polyoxymethylene has been irradiated with gamma radiation in the dose range 0 to 50Mrad and changes induced in several properties of the polymer has been studied as a function of dosage of irradiation. Significant changes have been observed in the crystallinity, electrical conductivity and dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the polymer due to irradiation. The crystallinity of the sample increases with increase in radiation dosage. The conductivity also shows increasing trend as a function of radiation dosage. Results suggest that the C-H bond scission takes place in the polymer due to irradiation. These induced changes will strongly affect the strength of the polymer and hence strength of components made out of this material - in the radiation environment.