Thermal degradation studies of electron beam cured terpolymeric fluorocarbon rubber

The thermal degradation of fluorocarbon rubber (FKM) electron beam cured in the absence and presence of crosslink promoter, trimethylolpronane triacry late (TMPTA) and MgO has been studied by non-isothermal thermogravimetry. F or comparison, control fluorocarbon rubber without any crosslinking has bee n taken. These studies suggest that thermal stability is improved on radiat ion and more so in the presence of TMPTA. MgO stabilizes the rubber matrix more against thermal attack, because of the additional crosslinks formed in its presence. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.