Electron radiation effects on the structure of ultradisperse polytetrafluoroethylene

Electron radiation effects (40 mrad, 70 mrad, and 100 mrad) on the molecular and supramolecular structure and morphology of ultradisperse polytetrafluoroethylene obtained by the thermogas dynamic (TGD) method were studied by IR and EPR spectroscopy, X-ray phase analysis, and atomic force microscopy. Irradiation of ultradisperse powder in air leads to oxidized polymer forms due to the terminal carbonyl groups and stable peroxide radicals that appear in the structure. Fast electron radiation in doses of up to 100 mrad did not change the polymer crystallinity and particle entity, while thin films on the surface of ultradisperse polytetrafluoroethylene powder decomposed.