High energy radiation processing of EPDM in a hydrocarbon environment. Part 1. Methylcyclopentane

Modifications induced by gamma-irradiation in ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer surrounded by methylcyclopentane vapour were studied. Investigations of gel content, mechanical strength (tensile strength and elongation at break), thermal oxidation resistance (oxygen uptake), and the absorbances in IR spectra were performed and showed improvement in the material stability. Several exposure doses were selected (10, 20, 30, 50, and 80 kGy). For comparison, irradiation in the presence of oxygen (mixture of methylcyclopentane vapours and air) was also carried out.