Influence of Ionizing Beta Radiation on the Surface Energy and Strength of Bonded Joints (at an Elevated Temperature) of Thermoplastic Material
In this study there was found that ionizing beta radiation increased the strength of bonded joints and improved the adhesion properties of polycarbonate (PC). Bonded joints at elevated temperature (60 °C) were tested. Generally, for the formation of quality bonded joint it is important to wet the adhesive bonding surface well. Wettability is characterized by the contact angle of wetting. The liquid has to have a lower surface energy than the solid in order to be able to wet the solid substance. The measurement results indicated that ionizing beta radiation was a very effective tool for improvement of adhesive properties and increased the strength of bonded joints of PC at elevated temperature (60 °C). Bonded surfaces with ionizing beta radiation doses of 0, 33, 66, 99, 132, 165 and 198 kGy were irradiated. The best results were achieved by irradiation at doses of 66 kGy by which the highest surface energy and the highest strength of bonded joints of PC were achieved. The strength of bonded joints after irradiation was increased up to 10 % and surface energy up to 30 % compared to untreated material.