Abstract
This study focuses on the problematic of polyamide 6 containing various concentrations of cross-linking agent that was exposed to electron radiation. It is important to improve the material properties of polymers as much as possible. This endeavor can be realized by numerous methods, one of which is radiation exposure. This study investigates the effect of electron beam radiation in doses ranging from 66 to 132 kGy on the micro-mechanical properties of polymers, specifically polyamide 6 filled with 1, 3 and 5 wt.% of cross-linking agent triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC). The changes in the material brought by the radiation exposure were quantified by measurements of indentation hardness and modulus, which were the main measured micro-mechanical properties. Furthermore, thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA) was chosen to confirm the results of the material cross-linking, while the effect of degradation was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In pursuit of complete evaluation, the topography of the test subject’s surface was explored by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The optimal concentration/radiation ratio was found in polyamide 6 enriched by 5 wt.% concentration of TAIC, which was irradiated by 132 kGy. Material treated in such a way had its indentation hardness by 33% and indentation modulus improved by 26% in comparison with the untreated material. These results were subsequently confirmed by the TMA and FTIR methods.
Highlights
Cross-linking of polymers is a process, which leads to the connection of macromolecular chains in a 3D spatial network
The results of the micro-mechanical properties are displayed as median, minimum, and maximum, which are calculated from 10 measurements, which are compared in dependence on triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) concentration and radiation dose
As is evident from the results, the indentation hardness rose to 190 MPa in specimen A, while it slightly declined in specimens with higher TAIC concentrations
Summary
Cross-linking of polymers is a process, which leads to the connection of macromolecular chains in a 3D spatial network. Cross-linking of polymer materials induced by beta radiation is done by accelerated electrons that are produced by an electron accelerator. Beta radiation is commonly used for most plastic components, since this treatment of polymer materials requires a relatively high dose of radiation. The cross-linking of polymers is a chemical process, during which transverse bonds are created within the polymer structure. Due to these bonds, an infinite 3D structure, i.e., spatial network or gel, is created. Radiation-induced cross-linking is caused by the collision of moving free radicals, especially in amorphous regions of polymers
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