Strength of Bonded Joints of Polypropylene after Radiation Cross-Linking

Abstract

In this study there was found that ionizing beta radiation increased the strength of bonded joints and improved the adhesion properties of polypropylene (PP). Generally, for the formation of quality bonded joint it is important to wet the adhesive bonding surface well. Wettability is characterized by the contact angle of wetting. The liquid has to have a lower surface tension than the solid in order to be able to wet the solid substance. The measurement results indicated that ionizing beta radiation was a very effective tool for the improvement of adhesive properties and increased the strength of bonded joints of polypropylene. Bonded surfaces with ionizing beta radiation doses of 0, 33, 66 and 99 kGy were irradiated. The best results were achieved by irradiation at dose of 66 kGy by which the highest surface energy and the highest strength of bonded joints of PP were achieved. The strength of bonded joints after irradiation was increased up to 450 % compared to untreated material. A similar trend was observed even for surface energy.