In this paper

the effect of gamma-ray irradiation on the electrical conductivity of polypropylene (PP) composites has been studied. The samples are prepared using PP and styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene elastomer with contents ranging from 0 wt% to 50 wt%

and exposed to Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation

with a dose from 0 to 250 kGy. Electrical conductivities at different temperatures and trap distributions are measured to observe the deterioration of insulation performance. The microstructure of the sample is estimated using differential scanning calorimetry

X-ray diffraction

thermogravimetric analysis and a scanning electron microscope. The obtained results demonstrate a correlation between the increase in electrical conductivity and the elevation in both total dose and temperature. At 250 kGy

the trap distribution tends to become shallower

accompanied by a decrease in crystallinity

melting and decomposition temperatures of the sample. The PP composite exhibits better stability against irradiation and thermal effects

primarily due to the cross-linked structures formed by irradiation.