Investigation of supramolecular structures of irradiation-modified and filled polytetrafluoroeyhulene

Abstract

Polymer composite materials (PCM) on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) base are used in many branches of industry. The materials performance properties greatly depend on supramolecular structure of polymer matrix. Using modification methods can control the structure. The purpose of the paper is to study patterns of change in supramolecular structures in PCM on the basis of PTFE under the influence of radiation used. First, X-ray - structural analyses was carried out (there was determined crystallinity degree, the size of crystallites, parameters - a = b in a hexagonal cel, interlayer distance in amorphous area). It showed the nature of supramolecular structure changes depending on the irradiation dose. Secondly, on the wear resistance sample it was shown that change in performance properties is connected with structural changes; and the their degree depends on initial supramolecular structure, its kind and percentage content of the filler and from the dose of absorbed radiation energy. Furthermore, the research of viscoelastic properties sensitive to supramolecular structure changes was carried out. One stated that there is some ordering of amorphous phase structure in the polymer matrix volume, and that resulted in a-maximum decrease. The research will allow purposefully change the supramolecular structure of polymer composite materials to improve the performance of other properties.