Processing of Polypropylene by Low-Energy Pulsed Electron Beam from Forevacuum Plasma Source

Abstract

Influence of electron beam irradiation on the morphology and contact angle of polypropylene was investigated. Electron beam processing was carried out at 8 – 10 kV accelerating voltage and a pressure of 5 – 10 Pa. Beam current density was up to 4.5 A/cm2, and the pulse duration - from 150 to 300 μs. The morphology of irradiated polymer material was studied by scanning-electron and atomic-force microscopy methods. It was established formation of extended equally oriented “hills” divided by “valleys”. The height of hills increases with the growth of energy flux density per pulse.