The Modification of Useful Injection-Molded Parts' Properties Induced Using High-Energy Radiation

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 16; no. 4; p. 450
• Main Authors: Bednarik, Martin, Pata, Vladimir, Ovsik, Martin, Mizera, Ales, Husar, Jakub, Manas, Miroslav, Hanzlik, Jan, Karhankova, Michaela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 06.02.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Adhesives; Analysis; beta radiation; Bond strength; Commodities; cross-linking; Crosslinking; Energy industry; Free radicals; High density polyethylenes; Identification and classification; Industrial areas; Influence; Injection molding; Mechanical properties; Methods; Oxidation; Polyethylene; Polymer blends; Polymers; Radiation; Radiation dosage; regression; Regression models; Surface layers; Tensile strength; Thermodynamic properties; Czech Republic; United States > US; Germany; beta radiation; cross-linking; regression; oxidation; polymers; injection molding; surface properties; mechanical properties
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym16040450

The modification of polymer materials' useful properties can be applicable in many industrial areas due to the ability to make commodity and technical plastics (plastics that offer many benefits, such as processability, by injection molding) useful in more demanding applications. In the case of injection-molded parts, one of the most suitable methods for modification appears to be high-energy irradiation, which is currently used primarily for the modification of mechanical and thermal properties. However, well-chosen doses can effectively modify the properties of the surface layer as well. The purpose of this study is to provide a complex description of high-energy radiation's (β radiation) influence on the useful properties of injection-molded parts made from common polymers. The results indicate that β radiation initiates the cross-linking process in material and leads to improved mechanical properties. Besides the cross-linking process, the material also experiences oxidation, which influences the properties of the surface layer. Based on the measured results, the main outputs of this study are appropriately designed regression models that determine the optimal dose of radiation.