Gamma Irradiation Effect on Nylon 6-12 Modification under Argon Atmosphere

Nylon is an important industrial material, and gamma irradiation is used for material modification. In this work, different gamma radiation dose were applied to crystalline fibres of nylon 6-12 at room temperature under argon atmosphere. Post-radiation effect was also studied, to know the effects of time. Some physical properties were measured obtaining the degree of modification with respect to the applied dose. X-ray values showed increment on the crystallinity and crystal size with dose increase up to 300 kGy. Brill Transition can be appreciated as a result of the in-situ X-ray with temperature study. Thermal analyses and AFM roughness measurements corroborate the modifying mechanisms in terms of the applied dose. For 15 and 50 kGy re-polymerization and crosslinking are the main mechanisms. Increment in the melting point at 15 kGy occurs, returning at 50 kGy to the original value. For 100 to 300 kGy the chain scission is the dominant mechanism because the melting point is lower than the original one. Both mechanisms take place in the amorphous zone.