Thermal analysis of irradiated composites UHMWPE/amorphous boron: degradation, oxidation and dynamic mechanical properties
Abstract
The thermal and thermomechanical properties of composites based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and boron (up to 59% wt.) were studied before and after exposure to ionizing radiation using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The introduction of boron into the UHMWPE matrix increases the thermal stability of the composite: the decomposition onset temperature increases by 15–25°C, and the degree of crystallinity changes within 5–12%. The thermal oxidation resistance of the composite increases with a boron content of approximately 50% wt., after which it decreases. After irradiation, changes in the nature of temperature transitions and the kinetics of thermal-oxidative degradation were recorded, indicating structural modifications in the polymer matrix.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Irina A. Maklakova, Vadim G. Krasheninnikov, Alexander Yu. Nezvanov, Tatiana A. Ladygina, and Lyudmila A. Novokshonova
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