The effect of cross-linking on nano-mechanical properties of polyamide

Abstract

Radiation crosslinking of polyamide 6 (PA 6) is a well-recognized modification of improving basic material characteristics. Radiation, which penetrated through specimens and reacted with the cross-linking agent, gradually formed cross-linking (3D net), first in the surface layer and then in the total volume, which resulted in considerable changes in specimen behaviour. This research paper deals with the possible utilization of irradiated PA6. The material already contained a special cross-linking agent TAIC (5 volume %), which should enable subsequent cross-linking by ionizing β - radiation (15, 30 and 45 kGy). The effect of the irradiation on mechanical behavior of the tested PA 6 was investigated. Material properties created by β - radiation are measured by nano-indentation test using the DSI method (Depth Sensing Indentation). The change of nano-mechanical properties is greatly manifested mainly in the surface layer of the modified polyamide where a significant growth of nano-hardness values can be observed. The highest values of nano-mechanical properties were reached for the radiation dose of 45 kGy, when the nano-mechanical values increased by about 95%. These results indicate the advantage of the cross-linking in improving the mechanical properties of polyamide. © 2016 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.