Modification of rubber by ion bombardment

The paper presents selected effects of surface modification of rubber vulcanizates upon irradiation with He+, O+ or Ar+ ions. Changes to chemical composition and physical structure of rubber macromolecules are discussed in terms of influence of the treatment on functional properties of the vulcanizates, like friction and wettability. Hydrogen release, responsible for further crosslinking and oxidation of surface layer can protect bulk of the materials from action of external chemical factors. Effectiveness of a protective layer being formed due to ion bombardment has been examined from the point of view of thermal and ozone aging, as well as fuel resistance of the rubber vulcanizates.