Аңдатпа
This work presents the results of research on the influence of electron beam processing (EBP) on the structure and mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). EBP of UHMWPE samples was carried out on an industrial pulse accelerator ILU-10. The electron energy varied in the range of 2.5–4.5 MeV, and the radiation dose varied in the range of 2–9 MGy. Thermal characteristics of polymer samples were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The influence of irradiation on the polymer crystallization process is analyzed. It was discovered that the effect of crosslinking is not significant about the crystal structure (thickness of the lamellae) and the radiation dose almost does not affect the melting temperature of UHMWPE. The obtained infrared spectra showed that during EBP, the UHMWPE samples occur oxidation as a result of chemical reactions of the polyethylene chain with oxygen. Installed, that EBP leads to a change in the surface morphology, that is, the surface becomes rough, the depth of irregularity and the structure of spherulites increases. The results of mechanical tests showed that after EBP, the strength and hardness of UHMWPE increase slightly.