Radiation resistance of polypropylene modified with nanoparticles of oxide compounds

The results of studies of optical properties in UV, visible and IR spectral regions, and radiation resistance of nanocomposites based on polypropylene modified with nanoparticles of oxide compounds (ZrO2, Al2O3, SiO2, MgO, TiO2, ZnO) are presented. Diffuse reflectance spectra were recorded under 2 center dot 10-6 torr vacuum before and after electron irradiation (in situ, E = 30 keV, F = 2 center dot 1016 cm-2). According to research findings, modification of polypropylene with nanoparticles leads to an increase in radiation resistance, which depends on the structure of the nanopowders, their size and specific surface area. The SiO2 nanopowder, characterized by its amorphous nature, the largest specific surface area, and the smallest particle size, stands as the most effective modifier for enhancing radiation resistance. The IR-Fourier spectra of electron-irradiated samples are similar to the original spectra. A slight decrease in transmission across all characteristic bands compared to the non-irradiated samples indicates minor structural changes as a result of irradiation.