Changes in UHMWPE Morphology and Structure after Irradiation with an Electron Beam and Thermal Treatment

Abstract

The paper presents changes in UHMWPE morphology and structure induced by exposure to a beam of electrons and thermal processing applied after the modification through irradiation. Two groups of samples were tested: those that underwent modification through irradiation only and those that underwent a sequential process which consisted of radiation modification and thermal processing. The obtained variants were subjected to comprehensive morphological and structural tests, which made it possible to: document changes in the lamellar structure (SEM); determine the content of crystalline phase (DSC); determine the degree and density of crosslinking; state the degree of polymer oxidation (FTIR); examine the influence of the irradiation dose on the intensity of free radicals occurrence (EPR) and to determine the effectiveness of their elimination using recrystallisation in an oxygen-free environment.