Micro-hardness of PBT influenced by beta radiation

Abstract

Cross-linking is a process in which polymer chains are associated through chemical bonds. 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 utilization of electron beam irradiated PBT on the micro-indentation test. Radiation doses of 66, 132 and 198 kGy were used for unfilled PBT with the 5% crosslinking agent (triallyl isocyanurate). Individual radiation doses caused structural and micro-mechanical changes which have a significant effect on the final properties of the PBT tested. The highest values of micro-mechanical properties were reached radiation dose of 132 kGy, when the micro-mechanical values increased by about 30%.