Effects of low-dose high-energy photon irradiation on UHMWPE films

Irradiation of biocompatible polymers is generally performed using high-dose gamma radiation, typically in kGy-to-MGy range. In this study, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) films have been exposed to relatively low dose (30, 60, and 120 Gy) radiation, utilizing 6 MeV clinical linear accelerator X-Rays. The impacts of irradiation were compared with the pristine UHMWPE films. The effects of low-dose 6 MeV photon irradiation were investigated using X-Ray Diffraction method, Fourier Transform Infrared, Ultraviolet-visible and Fluorescence spectroscopy. We discuss radiation-induced changes in the optical properties and interplanar spacing, and propose mechanisms responsible for the observed changes.