Investigation of the effects of gamma irradiation with different doses on the mechanical and structural properties of Teflon

Due to the importance of Teflon in the military industries, especially the missile and aerospace industries, the study of the effect of different nuclear radiation on the physical properties of this polymer can greatly assist the fabrication and engineering process of the components used in its manufacture. In this study, Teflon tape was cut into six bands, and then five bands were irradiated with different absorbed doses of gamma radiation up to 12 kGy. Moreover, the tensile test to evaluate the mechanical properties, and the FTIR spectra to investigate the changes in the structural properties, were obtained from Teflon samples. Through the structural studies, variations such as the formation of double bond in the structure of irradiated Teflon strips were observed. Also, the reduction of the stress and the strain values ​​at the final strength and rupture point were observed by studying the mechanical parameters of the Teflon strips. It was concluded that in the irradiated Teflon strip structure, double bonds are formed which is a sign of major chain failure. Furthermore, no improvement in mechanical properties was observed.