Abstract
This research investigated the effect of irradiation with an electron beam energy of 10 MeV in doses of 26–156 kGy on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a 15% and 20% graphite additive. The research has shown that mechanical (compression strength, hardness, and Young’s modulus) and sclerometric (coefficient of wear micromechanism and coefficient of resistance to wear) properties improve and tribological wear decreases as graphite content increases. Electron beam irradiation increases the degree of crystallinity of both materials to a similar extent. However significant differences in the improvement of all examined properties have been demonstrated for PTFE with higher (20%) graphite content subjected to the electron beam irradiation. This polymer is characterized by higher hardness and Young’s modulus, reduced susceptibility to permanent deformation, higher elasticity, compression strength, and above all, a nearly 30% reduction in tribological wear compared to PTFE with a 15% graphite additive. The most advantageous properties can be obtained for both of the examined composites after absorbing a dose of 104 kGy. The obtained results hold promise for the improvement of the operational life of friction couples which do not require lubrication, used for example in air compressors and engines, and for the possibility of application of these modified polymers. In particular PTFE with 20% graphite content, in the nuclear and space industry.
Highlights
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has favorable properties like high chemical and biological tolerance, thermal stability, as well as its excellent dielectric, antifriction, and antiadhesive properties, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a preferable material for the manufacture of articles in different industries and engineering [1,2,3,4,5,6]
The aim of this study was to investigate the result of an increase in graphite content to 20% and radiation with a 10 MeV electron beam energy on mechanical, sclerometic and tribological properties of modified PTFE
It has been determined based on Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) runs that electron-beam irradiation of PTFE with a 15% and
Summary
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has favorable properties like high chemical and biological tolerance, thermal stability, as well as its excellent dielectric, antifriction, and antiadhesive properties, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a preferable material for the manufacture of articles in different industries and engineering [1,2,3,4,5,6]. The structure of PTFE molecules causes transfer of material thin film onto the surface during friction improving value of the friction coefficient [7,8,9]. There are several ways to improve the wear rate, for example by adding different types of fillers to the material and by using electron-beam or gamma-beam irradiation [9,10,11,12]. Graphite additive has a positive effect on parameters such as friction coefficient, stiffness, and mechanical strength, and it slightly improves abrasion wear values [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
