Micro-indentation test and morphology of electron beam irradiated HDPE

Abstract

Cross-linking is a process in which polymer branches are associated through chemical bonds. The cross-linking level can be adjusted by the irradiation dosage and often by means of a cross-linking booster. The polymer additional cross-linking influences the surface nano and micro layers in the way comparable to metals during the thermal and chemical-thermal treatments. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of ionizing radiation with different doses (33, 66 and 99 kGy), on micro-mechanical properties of polyethylene (HDPE) and compare these results with those of non-irradiated samples. Micro-mechanical properties increased with increasing value of the dose of irradiation material. The highest values of micro-mechanical properties were reached at radiation dose of 99 kGy, when the micro-hardness values increased by about 12%. The changes were examined and confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The changes were examined and confirmed by X-ray diffraction. © (2015) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.