Radiochemical Processing of EPDM/NR Blends

Abstract Radiochemical crosslinking of polymer systems consisting of ethylene-propylene terpolymer (EPDM) and natural rubber (NR) is studied. Three binary blends (3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 w/w) were exposed to γ-rays (137Cs) at various doses (up to 300 kGy). The gel content of irradiated mixtures were determined. Oxidation stability was evaluated by isothermal oxygen uptake in air at normal pressure. The contribution of each component to the oxidation stability of studied blends is discussed. The application of first derivative of [O2]=f(t) to the estimation of stability under oxidation is presented.