Derivatives of flavonoides as anti-ageing substances in elastomers

A permanent increase of demand for polymers is closely connected with the issue of degradation. Nowadays aromatic amines or phenol derivatives are used to protect materials against ageing. In our studies, we want to propose the use of natural pro-ecological substances such as flavonoides to protect elastomers against ageing. Several flavonoides (hesperidin, hydroxymorin, hydroxyrutin, xanthone, flavon) were incorporated into ethylene-propylene rubbers (EPM, Dutral CO-054) and then the vulcanizates of EPM containing the anti-oxidants under investigation were subjected to UV, climatic and thermal ageing processes. The changes in deformation energy, color and cross-linking density of the EPM vulcanizates were then measured before and after each ageing process. Their carbonyl index was also determined. Based on the test results obtained, it has been found that the best protection is shown by hesperidin.