Super hard surfaced polymers

L. K. Mansur, R. Bhattacharya, P. J. Blau, A. Clemons, C. C. Eberle, H. B. Evans, C. J. Janke, B. C. Jolly, E. H. Lee, K. J. Leonard, R. M. Trejo, J. D.K. Rivard

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review our work on using high energy ion beams to harden the surfaces of polymers. High energy ion beam surface treatments were applied to a selected group of polymers. Of the six materials in the present study, four were thermoplastics (polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene) and two were thermosets (epoxy and polyimide [PI]). The particular epoxy evaluated in this work is one of the resins used in formulating fiber reinforced composites for military helicopter blades. Measures of mechanical properties of the near surface regions were obtained by nanoindentation hardness and pin on disk wear. Attempts were also made to measure erosion resistance by particle impact. All materials were hardness tested. Pristine materials were very soft, having values in the range of approximately 0.1 to 0.5 GPa. Ion beam treatment increased the surface hardness by up to 50 times compared to untreated materials. For reference, all materials were surface hardened to values higher than those typical of stainless steels. Wear tests were carried out on three of the materials, PET, PI and epoxy. On the ion beam treated epoxy no wear could be detected, whereas the untreated material showed significant wear.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSAMPE 2010 Conference and Exhibition "New Materials and Processes for a New Economy"
StatePublished - 2010
EventSAMPE 2010 Conference and Exhibition "New Materials and Processes for a New Economy" - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: May 17 2010May 20 2010

Publication series

NameInternational SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition (Proceedings)
ISSN (Print)0891-0138

Conference

ConferenceSAMPE 2010 Conference and Exhibition "New Materials and Processes for a New Economy"
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period05/17/1005/20/10

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