Radiation Degradation of Polytetrafluoroethylene-Lead Composites

Composites of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with Pb (0-15 wt.%) were fabricated and irradiated up to 50 kGy in a ⁶⁰Co-gamma chamber to evaluate the effect of Pb in improving the radiation tolerance of PTFE. Thermal and mechanical properties were measured for the irradiated and un-irradiated PTFE samples and its composites. The number average molecular weight of PTFE was estimated at different doses from the enthalpy of crystallization values obtained by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Reduction in the percentage increase in the enthalpy of crystallization and melting of PTFE-15% Pb composite, during irradiation indicated the stabilizing effect of lead on PTFE. Surface morphology of PTFE and its composites revealed that the formation of micro-cracks and blisters in PTFE, owing to radiation damage was controlled by lead. Elongation at break values and SEM images of the irradiated composites indicated that 15% Pb offered better stability to PTFE than 10% Pb.