The effect of dose rate on the crystalline lamellar thickness distribution in gamma-radiation of UHMWPE

This study develops a connection between radiation integral dose, dose rate and crystallite thickness. Samples are irradiated at an integral dose of 75 and 150 kGy and at a dose rate of 0.25 and 2.9 kGy/h. The degree of crystallinity and lamellar thickness distributions are determined from DSC. DSC shows the existence of two discrete crystalline lamellar distributions that are highly effected by irradiation protocol. It is also shown that the depth of the material from the surface also plays a role in the lamellar distribution. SAXS is then used to confirm the approximate range of lamellar thicknesses and the existence of two discrete crystallites.