Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Physico- and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Gelatin-Based Films Using 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA)

Gelatin films were prepared from gelatin granules in aqueous medium by casting. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break and the glass point of the gelatin films were found to be 27 MPa, 100 MPa, 4% and 51.7 degrees C, respectively. After irradiated with gamma radiation tensile properties were increased due to denser network structure. Gelatin films were soaked in five different formulations containing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) (10-50%, by wt), methanol and photoinitiator and then irradiated under gamma radiation. Again, a series of gelatin solutions was prepared by blending varying percentages (10-50% by wt) of HEMA and then films were prepared and irradiated under gamma radiation. It was found that tensile and thermal properties of gelatin films improved significantly.