Influence of Irradiation Conditions on the Properties of PTFE Micropowder

Abstract

To explore the relationship between the properties of the PTFE micropowders and the irradiation conditions, several PTFE micropowders were prepared by electron beam irradiation from 5 to 4000 kGy in air at room temperature. The properties of the irradiated PTFEs were characterized by particle size and its distribution (PSD) determination, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, melt flow rate (MFR) and contact angle (CA) measurements. The results indicate that the particle size, the melting and crystallization temperature (Tm and Tc) and the melt viscosity of the irradiated PTFE are lower (smaller) than those of the pristine PTFE. By linear regression, the correlation between Tm (or Tc) of the PTFE micropowder and irradiation dose is established. The variation of surface properties of the irradiated PTFE micropowder is also reported.