Quantification of radiation induced crosslinking in a commercial, toughened silicone rubber, TR55 by 1H MQ-NMR

Radiation induced degradation in a commercial, filled silicone composite has been studied by SPME/GC-MS, DMA, DSC, swelling, and multiple quantum NMR. Analysis of volatile and semi-volatile species indicates degradation via decomposition of the peroxide curing catalyst and radiation induced backbiting reactions. DMA, swelling, and spin-echo NMR analysis indicate an increase in crosslink density of near 100% upon exposure to a cumulative dose of 250 kGray. Analysis of the sol fraction via Charlesby-Pinner analysis indicates a ratio of chain scission to crosslinking yields of 0.38, consistent with the dominance of the crosslinking observed by DMA, swelling and spin-echo NMR and the chain scissioning reactions observed by MS analysis. Multiple quantum NMR has revealed a bimodal distribution of residual dipolar couplings near 1 krad/s and 5 krad/s in an approximately 90:10 ratio, consistent with bulk network chains and chains associated with the filler surface. Upon exposure to radiation, the mean 〈Ωd〉 for both domains and the width of both domains increased. The MQ-NMR analysis provided increased insight into the effects of ionizing radiation on the network structure of silicone polymers.