A new antifriction and sealing material based on radiation-modified polytetrafluoroethylene

The current situation with research into the effect of ionizing radiation exposure on the structure and properties of polytetrafluoroethylene was analyzed. New methods of radiation-induced modification, that improve the performance characteristics of polytetrafluoroethylene, were discussed. The results of research into properties of polytetrafluoroethylene irradiated at temperatures exceeding the melting point of its crystalline phase in media with different compositions were presented. It is shown that, under certain irradiation conditions, an extremely strong increase (up to 10 000-fold) in the wear resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene can be achieved, with the creepage decreased up to 100-fold. A conclusion was made that high-temperature radiation-induced modification can yield new modifications of the polymer, in which the advantages offered by untreated polytetrafluoroethylene are combined with high mechanical and triboengineering characteristics.