Mechanical modifications in dense polyethylene induced by energetic electron beams

Effects of radiation damage in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene are investigated by using energetic electron beams. Special attention is devoted to the mechanical characterization of the polymer, before and after the modification induced by 5 MeV electrons, as a function of the absorbed dose. Elastic modules, ultimate tensile and compressive strengths and roughness and hardness, have been measured in pristine and electron irradiated polymers. Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry are employed in order to investigate the microscopic modifications induced by the electron energy release to the polymeric chains. Results indicate that the polymer loses hydrogen and becomes rich in carbon content. Cross-linking effects are responsible for the higher mechanical resistance, fragility and hardness of the polymer submitted to a high absorbed dose.