Gamma- and Electron Beam Radiation-Induced Degradation of Poly-L-Lactide

Abstract

Comparative data have been obtained on the effect of the absorbed dose of γ-radiation and electron beam on the radiation-induced degradation of poly-L-lactide in the presence of oxygen provided dose distribution through the irradiated polymer bulk is uniform and high-energy radiation heating is insignificant to cause change of relaxation and phase transitions in the polymer matrix. The efficiency of radiation-induced degradation of poly-L-lactide exposed to γ-radiation has been shown to be higher than that in the case of electron beam due to a longer irradiation time in the former case resulting in a more essential contribution of an oxidative component in degradation.