Proton irradiation of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene for space applications

Abstract

The effect of low dose proton irradiation on the morphology of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was studied. The integral proton dose was ranging from 900 Gy to 1200 Gy. The experimental data revealed that low dose proton irradiation in the presence of oxygen leads to the formation of intermolecular crosslinks in UHMWPE and that proton irradiation produces morphological changes that involve a reduction in the thickness of the interfacial region and increase in the thickness of the amorphous region. The observed morphological changes depend on the integral dose.