Near-infrared transmittance spectroscopy for radiochemical ageing of EPDM

The feasibility of using near-infrared spectroscopy as a sensitive technique to follow the influence of gamma-irradiation upon ageing of different EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) elastomers has been evaluated. Although identification is difficult, differences can be observed between the non-irradiated and irradiated materials for total integrated doses from 50 to 450 kGy using a dose rate of 1 kGy h(-1) under an oxygen flow. The decrease in intensity of bands at 7040, 4610 and 4910 cm(-1) are linked to the disappearance of additives present in the elastomer such as excess of vulcanising or antioxidant agents and occur for the lowest irradiation dose. This disappearance is confirmed by TGA (thermogravimetric analysis). The increase in band intensities assigned to the formation of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups (5100, 4860 and 4670 cm(-1)) irradiation indicates an increase in oxidation with irradiation in the presence of oxygen. No bands linked to the presence of C=C from the diene have been detected, probably owing to the low concentration in the material and the weak intensity in near-infrared region. For strong irradiation doses (450 kGy), the three formulations studied show no difference in their NIR spectra, which is confirmed by the TGA of these irradiated materials. PCA performed at 5000-4600 cm(-1) or 7090-6980 cm(-1) shows efficient discrimination.