Effects of Gamma Radiation
on the Physicochemical Properties
of Polyester Resin and Its Use
in Composite Materials
Gonzalo Martínez-Barrera, Angel Martínez-López,
Enrique Vigueras-Santiago and Miguel Martínez-López
Abstract In this chapter is discussed the importance of using gamma radiation
as a novel technology for recycling of polyester resin, and their applications in
composite materials. In the introduction section, some aspects of the environmental
problems related with waste polyester resins are discussed. As it is known, novel
strategies are required for diminishing the environmental pollution. They are based
in no more consumption of non-renewable sources, more use of waste and recycled
materials, and the manufacturing of more environmental friendly products, with
improved physicochemical properties. The next section is focused on the methods for
recycling or reusing of polyester resins. It is well known that mechanical, chemical,
and thermal are the most current recycling processes. The mechanical follows the
shredding and grinding processes and a method for separation. This has been used
for to obtain thermostable polymers, which are used as fillers in different materials.
The others processes also are discussed. In the second section, some concepts of
gamma radiation are discussed. Such electromagnetic energy, has been used during
decades for modifications of the physicochemical properties of different materials.
In the case of polymeric materials, the physicochemical changes happen through the
processes: scission or cross-linking of polymer chains, and grafting. Each process
is produced according to the physicochemical properties of the polymers and the
applied dose rate. In the next section, the effects of gamma radiation in polyester
resin are mentioned. The polyester resin is usually in the liquid state; once the reaction
temperature is reached, this changes from liquid to gel state. Is to say, the gamma
radiation produce cross-linking of polymers chains and complete the polymerization
process. Gamma radiation shows several advantages, for example it does not require
any activation energy for its initiation; and the final reaction can be controlled. The
total polymerization depends of the gamma radiation dose and the type of polymer.
G. Martínez-Barrera (B) · E. Vigueras-Santiago · M. Martínez-López
Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Materiales Avanzados (LIDMA), Facultad de
Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km. 12 de la Carretera
Toluca-Atlacomulco, San Cayetano 50200, Mexico
e-mail: gonzomartinez02@yahoo.com.mx
A. Martínez-López
Doctorado en Ciencia de Materiales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del
Estado de México, Paseo Colón Esquina Paseo Tollocan S/N, Toluca 50000, Mexico
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
S. S. Muthu (ed.), Recycled Polyester, Textile Science and Clothing Technology,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9559-9_2
15
on the Physicochemical Properties
of Polyester Resin and Its Use
in Composite Materials
Gonzalo Martínez-Barrera, Angel Martínez-López,
Enrique Vigueras-Santiago and Miguel Martínez-López
Abstract In this chapter is discussed the importance of using gamma radiation
as a novel technology for recycling of polyester resin, and their applications in
composite materials. In the introduction section, some aspects of the environmental
problems related with waste polyester resins are discussed. As it is known, novel
strategies are required for diminishing the environmental pollution. They are based
in no more consumption of non-renewable sources, more use of waste and recycled
materials, and the manufacturing of more environmental friendly products, with
improved physicochemical properties. The next section is focused on the methods for
recycling or reusing of polyester resins. It is well known that mechanical, chemical,
and thermal are the most current recycling processes. The mechanical follows the
shredding and grinding processes and a method for separation. This has been used
for to obtain thermostable polymers, which are used as fillers in different materials.
The others processes also are discussed. In the second section, some concepts of
gamma radiation are discussed. Such electromagnetic energy, has been used during
decades for modifications of the physicochemical properties of different materials.
In the case of polymeric materials, the physicochemical changes happen through the
processes: scission or cross-linking of polymer chains, and grafting. Each process
is produced according to the physicochemical properties of the polymers and the
applied dose rate. In the next section, the effects of gamma radiation in polyester
resin are mentioned. The polyester resin is usually in the liquid state; once the reaction
temperature is reached, this changes from liquid to gel state. Is to say, the gamma
radiation produce cross-linking of polymers chains and complete the polymerization
process. Gamma radiation shows several advantages, for example it does not require
any activation energy for its initiation; and the final reaction can be controlled. The
total polymerization depends of the gamma radiation dose and the type of polymer.
G. Martínez-Barrera (B) · E. Vigueras-Santiago · M. Martínez-López
Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Materiales Avanzados (LIDMA), Facultad de
Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km. 12 de la Carretera
Toluca-Atlacomulco, San Cayetano 50200, Mexico
e-mail: gonzomartinez02@yahoo.com.mx
A. Martínez-López
Doctorado en Ciencia de Materiales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del
Estado de México, Paseo Colón Esquina Paseo Tollocan S/N, Toluca 50000, Mexico
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
S. S. Muthu (ed.), Recycled Polyester, Textile Science and Clothing Technology,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9559-9_2
15