This research investigated the e ect of irradiation with an electron beam energy of
10 MeV in doses of 26–156 kGy on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a 15% and 20% graphite
additive. The research has shown that mechanical (compression strength, hardness, and Young’s
modulus) and sclerometric (coe cient of wear micromechanism and coe cient of resistance to
wear) properties improve and tribological wear decreases as graphite content increases. Electron
beam irradiation increases the degree of crystallinity of both materials to a similar extent. However
significant di erences in the improvement of all examined properties have been demonstrated for
PTFE with higher (20%) graphite content subjected to the electron beam irradiation. This polymer
is characterized by higher hardness and Young’s modulus, reduced susceptibility to permanent
deformation, higher elasticity, compression strength, and above all, a nearly 30% reduction in
tribological wear compared to PTFE with a 15% graphite additive. The most advantageous properties
can be obtained for both of the examined composites after absorbing a dose of 104 kGy. The obtained
results hold promise for the improvement of the operational life of friction couples which do not
require lubrication, used for example in air compressors and engines, and for the possibility of
application of these modified polymers. In particular PTFE with 20% graphite content, in the nuclear
and space industry
