Microhardness of HDPE influenced by beta irradiation

Abstract

Hard surface layers of polymer materials, especially HDPE, can be formed by chemical or physical process. One of the physical methods modifying the surface layer is radiation crosslinking. Radiation doses used were 0, 33, 66, 99, 132, 165 and 199 kGy for HDPE. Individual radiation doses caused structural and micromechanical changes which have a significant effect on the final properties of the HDPE tested. Radiation doses cause changes in the surface layer which make the values of some material parameters rise. The improvement of micromechanical properties was measured by an instrumented microhardness test.