Abstract
Cross-linking is a process in which polymer chains are associated through chemical bonds. Radiation, which penetrated through specimens and reacted with the cross-linking agent, gradually formed cross-linking (3D net), first in the surface layer and then in the total volume, which resulted in considerable changes in specimen behaviour. This research paper deals with the utilization of electron beam irradiated PBT on the micro-indentation test. Radiation doses of 66, 132 and 198 kGy were used for unfilled PBT with the 5% crosslinking agent (triallyl isocyanurate). Individual radiation doses caused structural and micro-mechanical changes which have a significant effect on the final properties of the PBT tested. The highest values of micro-mechanical properties were reached radiation dose of 132 kGy, when the micro-mechanical values increased by about 30%.
Highlights
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic of the polyester family, which crystallizes very slowly and is available in an amorphoustransparent or crystalline-opaque condition, depending on the processing method [1,2].PBT are characterized by their high strength and rigidity, dimensionally stable, low tendency to creep, very good frictional and wear resistance, good impact strength, very low coefficient of thermal expansion, good chemical resistance to acids, very good electrical characteristics, very low moisture absorption, good adhesion and welding ability
The aim of this paper is to study the effect of ionizing radiation with different doses, on micromechanical properties of PBT and compare these results with those of non-irradiated samples
Radiation, which penetrated through specimens and reacted with the cross-linking agent, gradually formed cross-linking (3D net), first in the surface layer and in the total volume, which resulted in considerable changes in specimen behaviour
Summary
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic of the polyester family, which crystallizes very slowly and is available in an amorphoustransparent or crystalline-opaque condition, depending on the processing method [1,2]. Cross-linking is a process in which polymer chains are associated through chemical bonds. Cross-linking is carried out by chemical reactions or radiation and in most cases the process is irreversible. Ionizing radiation includes high-energy electrons (electron beam - β-rays) (Fig. 1) and gamma rays (γ-rays) (Fig. 2). These are capable of converting monomeric and oligomeric liquids into solids, and can produce major changes in properties of solid polymers. Common PBT, when exposed to the effect of the radiation cross-linking, degrades and its mechanical properties deteriorate. The disadvantage of standard polymers is limited both by mechanical and thermal properties. The group of standard polymers is the most considerable one and its share in the production of all polymers is as high as 90% [1] [5]
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