Micro-Hardness of PA6 Influenced by Beta Irradiation

In this paper, the effect of the electron beam irradiation on the indentation hardness, indentation modulus and indentation creep have been studied by means of the Depth sensing indentation (DSI). Cross-linking is a process in which polymer chains are associated through chemical bonds. Radiation doses of 33, 66 and 99 kGy were used for unfilled polyamide 6 with the 7% crosslinking agent (triallyl isocyanurate). Beta irradiation of the examined thermoplastic caused the growth of values of material parameters as micro-hardness, indentation modulus or indentation creep etc. From this point of view, there may be new application in areas with mechanical properties higher than their original properties. This study compared the mechanical properties of irradiated and non-irradiated PA6.