Radiation-Modification Impact on the Filled Polytetrafluoroethylene Structure and Mechanical Strength

Abstract

The article studies the structure and properties, regularities of their change with the introduction of various fillers and under the influence of gamma – irradiation (γ-radiation). PCM structure study was performed using electron microscopy with scanning electron microscope BS -350 (TESLA) and with X-ray structural analysis method using X-ray diffractometer DRON-3. Shooting of wide-angle X-ray patters was performed in the range of Bragg angles reflection 2Q=5° - 96°. We selected the following properties to study: tensile strength, static tensile modulus. The findings allowed determining: firstly, we determined that based on electron microscopy the supramolecular structural organization depends on the type and percentage of filler in PTFE matrix. Changes take place from lamellar (pure PTFE) to a defective spherulitic (20% of coke) structure. Secondly, we completed X-ray structural analysis (we determined the degree of crystallinity, crystallite size, with parameters а = b in the hexagonal cell, interlayer distance of amorphous area) showed the nature of supramolecular structure changes according to the nature of the filler and subsequent radiation dose. Thirdly there was conducted connection between changes in mechanical strength (tensile strength, statical module of elasticity) and structural changes; the depth of these changes depends on the original supramolecular structure, type and percentage of the filler and the dose of the absorbed radiation energy. The studies will allow change purposefully the supramolecular structure of polymer composite materials to improve the performance properties.