STUDY OF FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYETHYLENE IRRADIATED IN AIR.

We study the influence of atmospheric oxygen on the friction characteristics of irradiated block polyethylene (PE). It is shown that the formation in block PE during irradiation in air of surface layers with degree of destruction that decreases with depth makes it possible to reduce the friction coefficient while retaining quite high wear resistance. It is found that the combination of high wear resistance and low friction coefficient is achieved in layers that are located between the surface with maximal degree of destruction and the deep layers (where irradiation of the polymer takes place without exposure to oxygen), having adequate resistance to the action of tangential stresses and good lubricity.