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Authors Lunkwitz, K. ; Lappan, U. ; Lehmann, D.
Title Modification of fluoropolymers by means of electron beam irradiation
Date 29.05.2000
Number 8515
Abstract High molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is transformed to free-flowing micropowder by treatment with electron beams. In case of irradiation in presence of air carboxylic acid fluoride groups are i<br />ncorporated which rapidly hydrolyze to carboxylic groups in the surface-near regions due to atmospheric humidity. These polar groups reduce the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties so much that homogeneous compounding with other materials becomes possible. In addition to PTFE, copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene with hexafluoropropylene (FEP) and perfluoropropylvinylether (PFA) were modified. In case of identical irradiation conditions, the concentration of carboxylic groups is much higher in FEP and PFA than in PTFE, which is due to the lower crystallinity of the copolymers.<p>Electron beam irradiation of PTFE was performed in vacuum at elevated temperature above the melting point. The changes in the chemical structure were studied. The concentration of CF<sub>3</sub> branches was found to be much higher as compared to room temperature irradiation.<p>In a practical test PTFE micropowders functionalized by electron irradiation were compounded with epoxy resins, with polyoximethylene and with polyamides. Such compounds are characterized by very good frictional and wearing behaviour in dry-running tests.
Publisher Radiation Physics and Chemistry
Wikidata
Citation Radiation Physics and Chemistry 57 (2000) 373-376
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/S0969-806X(99)00407-7
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