Network characteristics of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber networks obtained by radiation crosslinking by electron beam

The effects of high-energy radiation on hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) copolymer structure and properties were studied. Characterization by FTIR spectroscopy, swelling and mechanical measurements of irradiated and un-irradiated sample permit us to correlate the change in structure with properties. The modifications obtained are dependent on the radiation dose of the incident electron beam. FTIR spectroscopy in absorption mode shows that irradiation of HNBR first induces trans-vinylene bond formation and secondly small amounts of carbonyl (CO) groups. Moreover, more significant changes were observed with swelling method and mechanical behaviour showing the effect of crosslinking on the elastomer.