Surface properties of crosslinking polyamide measured by micro-indentation test

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 paper studies the effect of different doses of ionizing beta radiation on the micro-mechanical properties of commercially available polyamide. The measured results indicate, that electron beam irradiation is very effective tool for improvement of surface properties of PA6. In terms of micro-mechanical properties, the values of micro-hardness of surface layer increased by 24% at radiation dose of 132 kGy, stiffness of surface micro layer by 26% (132 kGy) as a result of different loads (0.5N and 2N). Improvement of micro-mechanical properties of radiated polyamide has a great significance also for industry. The modified polyamide shifts to the group of materials that have considerably better properties. Its micro-mechanical properties make polyamide ideal for a wide application in areas where higher resistance to wear, creep are required. Commonly manufactured PA6 can hardly fulfil these criteria. © 2018 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.