Modification of the Structure and Properties of Fluoropolymer Composites by Ultraviolet Radiation

The influence of ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths of 207 and 222 nm on the performance properties of fluoropolymer composites was investigated. A fluoropolymer composite with carbon fiber, widely used in the automotive industry, was chosen as the object of study. It was found that irradiating the fluoropolymer for 1 h with UV radiation at a wavelength of 207 nm leads to an increase in wear resistance by 19% and surface layer hardness by 6%. After exposure to UV radiation with a wavelength of 222 nm, wear resistance increases by 17% and surface layer hardness by 4%. The increase in the hardness of the fluoropolymer is accompanied by a corresponding decrease in plasticity. It was established that with a decrease in the wavelength of UV radiation, the degree of reduction in plasticity increases. The plasticity of the fluoropolymer composite decreases by 8% after UV irradiation at a wavelength of 222 nm, and by 13% after UV irradiation at a wavelength of 207 nm. The results of the work demonstrate the potential of directed UV modification of fluoropolymers for creating wear-resistant polymer products operating under conditions of radiation exposure.