The effect of HVA-2 on properties of irradiated epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and ENR-50/EVA blend

ENR-50, EVA, and ENR-50/EVA blend (50/50) containing N, N′-m-phenylene dimaleimide (HVA-2) were prepared by a melt blending process. The samples were irradiated using a 3.0 MeV electron beam machine with doses ranging from 20 to 100 kGy. The influence of a coagent (HAV-2) on the properties of irradiated ENR-50, EVA, and ENR-50/EVA blend was investigated. HVA-2 was found to be more effective in enhancing the irradiation-induced crosslinking in the ENR-50 phase than in EVA. The tensile properties of irradiated ENR-50/EVA blend were improved by the addition of HVA-2. The results of dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that HVA-2 enhances the irradiation-induced crosslinking in ENR-50/EVA blend and also improved the compatibility of the blend.