Radiation effects on poly(propylene) (PP)/ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) blends

Radiation effects on poly(propylene)/ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (PP/EVA) blends are discussed. Increasing the EVA content enhanced the crosslinking effect of radiation in PP/EVA blends. This effect was significant when the EVA content was ≥50% in PP/EVA blends that were exposed to γ-ray irradiation in air. This phenomenon is discussed in relation to the compatibility, morphology, and thermal properties of PP/EVA blends. The results indicate that the effect is dependent on the compatibility, the increase in the amorphous region content, and the EVA content in PP/EVA blends. The possible mechanism of radiation crosslinking or degradation in irradiated PP/EVA blends was studied quantitatively by a novel method, a “step analysis” process, and thermal gravimetric analysis. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 3420–3424, 2002