CONNECTION BETWEEN STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF IRRIADIATED POLYETHER ETHER KETONE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

The article presents the results of research on the impact of structural changes in polyether ether ketone (PEEK) on its mechanical properties. The polymer was exposed to gamma radiation at a dose of 50 and 150 kGy, and the radiation energy was 4 MeV. Changes in the degree of crystallinity and the related changes in the glass transition and melting temperature for the polymer were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical properties were determined using the micro-mentoring method. The tests showed a change in the degree of crystallinity in the range of several degrees and a significant increase in the glass transition temperature. In terms of mechanical properties, the reduction of hardness and Young’s modulus was observed. Observed changes, especially in terms of changes in the structure of the polymer under the influence of radiation, are difficult to explain, which requires conducting further research, especially in the range of irradiation parameters used. Further research is important because PEEK is used in many fields, especially in conditions conducive to corrosion and the influence of radiation.