Comparison of Gamma Ray and Electron Beam Irradiation Effect on a Commercial Polycarbonate Used in Medical Equipments

Polycarbonate is an engineered plastic which is applied in producing medical products such as dialysis filters because of its transparency, hardness, thermal resistance and good dimensional stability. As the dialysis filters are applied on a large scale, their sterilization is preferred by radiation method. One of the important features seen in the radiation sterilization of the filters is the effect of radiation on polycarbonate applied in their bodies. So, we studied the effect of gamma radiation (60Co) and electron beam on the physico-chemical and mechanical properties of polycarbonate at the sterilization dose range (15, 25 and 37 kGy). The results of FTIR analysis, XRD and mechanical properties were similar for both types of radiation sources and demonstrated no significant changes in the chemical structure of polycarbonate after irradiation. The result of UV-Vis spectrum showed that adsorption occurs in irradiated samples at higher wavelengths. According to the results of colorimetric analysis, the electron beam-irradiated samples had a lower yellow index than the gamma-irradiated samples. This little colour change also decreases over time when the samples are storage in a dim ambiance. From the results, the sterilization of these dialysis filters is suggested by electron beam.