Effect of PTFE irradiation above the melting point on ITS porosity

XRD crystallinity and density of PTFE produced by suspension polymerization were investigated after its irradiation above the melting point as a function of absorbed dose. Comparison of behavior of these two parameters with adsorbed dose revealed that original PTFE is highly porous, the irradiation decreasing substantially its porosity. A qualitative model of pore shrinking in PTFE during irradiation above the melting point was proposed, considering a viscous flow produced by surface tension.

► X-ray degree of crystallinity and density of modified PTFE have been investigated.
► It has been concluded that PTFE porosity is reduced substantially under irradiation.
► A qualitative model of pore shrinking in modified PTFE has been proposed.