Preparation of High Melt Strength Polypropylene by ~(60)Co-γ radiation

High melt strength polypropylene was prepared with the initiation of 60 Co-γ radiation in nitrogen environment, using polyfunctional acrylate monomers as radiation sensitizer. Influences of functionalities and amount of radiation sensitizer, and dose of radiation on the gel content were investigated. The melt flow rate and melt strength of radiated polypropylene were measured. The results show that high melt strength polypropylene was got by 60 Co-γ radiation with 1kGy dose in nitrogen environment. Adding plasticizer or antioxidant, and thermal treatment before or after irradiation can enhance melt strength of irradiated polypropylene in different degree respectively.