Mechanical properties of surface layer of unfilled polypropylene

Using high doses of beta radiation for unfilled polypropylene (PP) and its influence on the changes of micromechanical properties of surface layer has not been studied in detail so far. The testing sapmles polypropylene (PP) were made by injection moulding technology and irradiated by high doses of beta radiation (0, 15 and 33 kGy). The changes in the microstructure and micromechanical properties of surface layer were evaluated using WAXS and instrumented ultra nano-hardness test. The results of the measurements showed considerable increase in micromechanical properties (indentation hardness, indentation elastic modulus) when low doses of beta radiation are used