Influence of Gamma and Electron Radiation on the Strength Characteristics of Nonwoven SMS Materials Based on Polypropylene

Abstract

Radiation sterilization is widely used to sterilize nonwoven SMS medical products. SMS materials have improved filtering and barrier properties, low bacteriopermeability and, due to these properties, are indispensable for medicine. They are used to make such important health care products as disposable surgical clothing and underwear. As a result of the research carried out, the effect of gamma and electron radiation, in the range of absorbed doses from 15 to 25 kGy, on the strength characteristics of nonwoven SMS materials based on polypropylene with a surface density of 35, 40, 50 g/cm2 was studied. It has been established that the strength characteristics (tensile strength, tensile strength, and tear strength) of nonwoven materials decrease after exposure to ionizing radiation. The higher the density of the material, the more its characteristics decrease after radiation sterilization. It was also found that gamma radiation, due to its nature, has a stronger effect on nonwoven materials based on polypropylene, and leads to a stronger decrease in strength characteristics. In general, for products sterilized by ionizing radiation and made from SMS materials, it is important to control the strength characteristics, primarily, the tensile strength in the transverse direction of the web stuff.