Radiation vulcanization of MDPE/EPDM blends loaded with white and black fillers

Blends of 60/40 phr of MDPE/EPDM have been subjected to radiation vulcaniza tion by gamma rays of Co-60 in the presence of either HAF carbon black. or white Hisil. The effect of the level of loading with Hisil has been followe d up in the range of 0-100 phr. Mechanical properties, namely, elongation a t break, tensile modulus and tensile strength were followed up as a functio n of irradiation dose for different loading of the blend with Hisil. The mo st appropriate degree of loading has been found to be 50-75 phr of Hisil. C omparison of mechanical propel-ties of blends loaded with 50 phr of either HAF black or Hisil has been carried out. The data obtained indicated, that, Hisil is more effective as reinforcing filler than HAF black for radiation vulcanized MDPE/EPDM blends. The improvement attained in mechanical proper ties may be attributed to the reinforcing effect of filler as well as the i nduced cross-linking by radiation.