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Abstract
In this study the mechanical properties of shellac films, prepared by solution casting, were evaluated with varying amounts of Ethylene Glycol (EG) and 2-Ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propandiol-trimethacrylate (EHMPTMA). Mechanical properties such as tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (Eb) of the raw shellac film were found to be 1.86 MPa and 4%, respectively. A series of formulations was prepared using shellac and varying percentages of EG and EHMPTMA in methanol. The films were prepared and irradiated under gamma (Co-60) radiation at different doses (50–500 krad). Grafting of EHMPTMA showed better results compared to raw shellac and EG treated films. Thermal properties, degradation tests in water and soil of the films were also evaluated.