AbstractPoly (methyl methacrylate), PMMA, may be used in manufacturing of devices, which are exposed to gamma irradiation. However, the polymer undergoes significant changes in its properties during process and the use of additives is a common form to stabilize the PMMA matrix. In this way, stibnite was synthesized by sonochemical method and the amorphous powder constituted of nanospheres was obtained and investigated as additive. Commercial PMMA containing stibnite nanoparticles (ST-NP) was investigated and the samples were irradiated with gamma radiation (60Co). Our results showed that the addition of ST-NP at 0.3 wt% into the PMMA decreased the number of main chain scissions caused by the irradiation process, resulting in radiolytic stabilization of the polymer matrix. Analyses of mechanical properties showed influence of the ST-NP in the physical behavior of PMMA. Our findings suggest that stibnite nanoparticles are an effective additive for PMMA used in application of radiation resistance.

Lead (II) sulfide (PbS) were synthesized by sonochemical method and crystals with cubic structure exhibit aggregated nanoparticles with size in the range of 50-100 nm. Commercial Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) containing the PbS nanoparticles (PbS-NP) exposed to gamma irradiation were investigated and both the viscosity-average molar mass (Mv) and degradation index (DI) values were measured. Ours results showed decreases in molar mass when the systems were gamma irradiated, i. e., random scission effects that take place in the main chain. On the other hand, DI results showed that the addition of PbS-NP at 0.3 wt% into the PMMA matrix decreased 100% the number of main chain scissions. Results about the free radical scavenger action of the PbS-NP were obtained by use of 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and are discussed in this study. Analysis of infrared spectra, refraction index, mechanical, and thermal properties showed influence of the PbS-NP in the physical behavior of PMMA.

Brazilian poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3-HB), and its copolymer, poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), P(3-HB-co-3-HV) were irradiated with gamma radiation (60Co) at room temperature and in the presence of oxygen. The viscosity-average molar mass (Mv) was analyzed by viscometry using an Ostwald-type capillary viscometer. Both polymers showed a decrease in molar mass with the increase in dose, reflecting that random main chain scissions occurred. The value G (scissions/100 eV of energy transferred to the system) and the parameter α (scissions per original molecule) were also determined. Mechanical properties decrease with the increase in dose, revealing that P(3-HB) underwent significant changes, especially at doses higher than 50 kGy. Tensile at break and impact resistance properties were the most affected by radiation, while the elastic modulus remained virtually unaltered up to 100 kGy dose.