Effect of γ-ray radiation on the polyacrylonitrile based carbon fibers

To investigate the effect of γ-ray radiation on the microstructural and mechanical properties of carbon fibers, carbon fibers were irradiated by 60Co source. The interlayer spacing d002 of carbon fibers decreased after irradiation. The Young’s modulus and density of the fibers increased with increasing dose. The tensile strength of fibers was found to increase at low dose and decrease at high dose. Additionally, Compton scattering effect caused by γ-ray is proposed to be responsible for the structural and mechanical changes of fibers. The results indicated that γ-ray irradiation was an effective method for improving the mechanical properties and graphitization degree of polyacrylonitrile based carbon fibers.