Mechanical Properties Changes of Irradiated Thermoplastic Elastomer

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Engineering
• Radiation Chemistry

Background:

• Some polymers require cross-linking agents for controlled radiation cross-linking, especially those prone to degradation.
• Other polymers, like the studied Thermo-Plastic Elastomer (TPE), are predominantly cross-linking but can benefit from agents for efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of a cross-linking agent on the radiation cross-linking of TPE.
• To evaluate the impact of varying irradiation doses on the mechanical properties of TPE with and without the agent.

Main Methods:

• Mechanical testing, including microindentation-tensile and tensile impact tests.
• Comparative analysis of TPE samples with and without a cross-linking agent subjected to different radiation doses.

Main Results:

• Minimal changes in mechanical properties were observed at low radiation doses (up to 66 kGy).
• Significant influence of the cross-linking agent on mechanical properties became evident at higher radiation doses.

Conclusions:

• Cross-linking agents can enhance the radiation cross-linking efficiency of TPE, leading to improved mechanical performance.
• The addition of a cross-linking agent is beneficial for achieving desired mechanical properties in TPE at higher irradiation levels.