The effect of p-tert-butylcalix[n]arene on γ-radiation degradation of polypropylene

The gamma-radiation effect of polypropylene was investigated in the presence of three kinds of p-tert-butylcalix[n]arene (n = 4, 6, 8) in air at ambient temperature. The influence of radiation dose and store time upon the mechanical properties of the irradiated PP sheets were measured. The results showed that the radiation stabilization was reduced with the increase of the ring size of calixarenes. Based on the mass spectra and the analysis of post-irradiated product, the mechanism of radiation degradation of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene has been proposed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.