Mechanical properties and temperature stability of modified polybutylene terephthalate by beta rays

Abstract

Abstract. The presented article deals with the research of mechanical properties before and after temperature load and temperature stability of modified polybutylene terephthalate by radiation cross-linking. The mechanical properties were measured, at the ambient temperature, by the tensile test on samples which were non-irradiated and irradiated by different doses of the beta radiation and then were temperature loaded. Results demonstrate that PBT has higher values of tensile strength with the increased irradiation dose and it has decreased elongation at break sharply. The purpose of the article is to consider to what extent the irradiation process influences the resulting mechanical properties and temperature stability. The PBT tested showed significant improvement of temperature stability after irradiation. This behaviour leads to the expansion of these materials in the automotive and electrical industry.