Local mechanical properties of irradiated cross-linked polypropylene

Abstract

Using high doses of beta radiation for isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and its influence on the changes in the micromechanical properties of the surface layer has not been studied in detail so far. Specimens of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) were made with the injection-moulding technology and irradiated with high doses of beta radiation (0, 45, 66 and 99) kGy. The changes in the micromechanical properties of the surface layer were evaluated using an ultra nano-hardness test. The results of the measurements showed a considerable increase in the micromechanical properties (indentation hardness, indentation elastic modulus) when high doses of beta radiation are used. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of ionizing radiation with different doses on the ultra nanohardness of the surface layer of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and compare these results with those of non-irradiated samples. The study was carried out due to the ever-growing use of this type of polymer, isotactic polypropylene (iPP).