Effect of low doses beta irradiation on mechanical properties of surface layer of injection moulded polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)

Abstract

Using low doses of beta radiation for polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and its influence on the changes of micromechanical properties of surface layer has not been studied in detail so far. The specimens of PBT were made by injection moulding technology and irradiated by low doses of beta radiation (0, 33, 66 and 99 kGy). The changes in the microstructure and micromechanical properties of surface layer were evaluated using FTIR, WAXS and instrumented microhardness test. The results of the measurements showed considerable decrease in micromechanical properties (indentation hardness, indentation elastic modulus) when low doses of beta radiation are used.