Vulcanization of polybutadiene latex induced by 60Co γ radiation

Polybutadiene latex (PBL) vulcanization induced by 60Co radiation and the influence of dose on crosslinking were investigated. Morphology and particle size distribution were examined by AFM and a particle size analyzer. The casting films were characterized for their swelling and mechanical properties as a function of dose. The particle size, swelling and tensile properties decreased with dose, while gel fraction and storage modulus increased. The PBL fits well with the Charlesby–Pinner equation in the radiation dose, up to 200 kGy.