Functionalization of Polypropylene Subjected to Gamma-Irradiation and Postradiation High-Temperature Shear Grinding and Its Toxic Properties.

The results of a Fourier-transform IR spectroscopic study of polypropylene (PP) subjected to gamma-irradiation and post-irradiation high-temperature shear grinding are presented. The IR spectra of PP granules irradiated in air exhibited absorption peaks of hydroxyl and oxygen-containing groups, the intensity of which noticeably decreased in the powder obtained by grinding the irradiated polymer granules. The toxic properties of PP obtained by high-temperature shear grinding of irradiated polymer granules were investigated. It was found that gamma-irradiation of polymer granules in air did not affect the toxic properties of polymer powder obtained by grinding granules irradiated with a dose of 700−4500 kGy. It was established that PP powder obtained from unirradiated and irradiated granules was a moderately toxic substance when administered intragastrically to BDF1 mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]