Tribological and Micro-Mechanical Properties of Modified Composite Polypropylene

This study describes the effect of electron radiation on the macro- and micro-mechanical and tribological properties of composite polypropylene filled with 25% glass fiber. Micro-mechanical and tribological properties were investigated both on the sample surface and at various depths below the surface. Polypropylene was irradiated with radiation doses of 15, 33, 45, 66 and 99 kGy. As the results show, electron radiation has an influence on the change in PP’s structure, in which due to the electron radiation, a crosslinked phase and an increase in crystallinity are formed. These changes in morphology are reflected in an enhancement of micro-mechanical and tribological properties both at the surface and in deeper layers below the surface. More crosslinking and recrystallization occur across the sample’s cross-section up to a depth of 2 mm, where greater micro-mechanical and tribological properties are also measured. The difference between the surface and the center of the material can be up to 32%. The optimum radiation dose appears to be 45 kGy, where the maximum crosslinking, highest crystallinity and best micro-mechanical and tribological properties are found. The difference between non-irradiated and irradiated filled PP is 52% in indentation hardness. In terms of macro-mechanical properties, the tensile modulus increased by 44% (45 kGy). This translates into higher surface wear resistance and the overall stiffness of the part. Higher doses of radiation cause the beginning of degradation processes, which are manifested by a decrease in the degree of embedding, crystallinity and thus micro-mechanical and tribological properties.