Electron beam modification of filled fluorocarbon rubber

The effect of electron beam irradiation on the properties of carbon black-, silica-, and clay-filled fluorocarbon rubber has been studied over a range of radiation doses, loadings, and nature of the fillers. Compared to the u nfilled irradiated rubber, the tensile strength and modulus improve with a decrease in the particle size of the carbon black filler. Similar improveme nt in these properties is observed with an increase in both the radiation d ose and the amount of the filler upto a certain level. The dynamic mechanic al analysis reveal an increased glass transition temperature (T-g), a reduc ed value of the mechanical loss factor at T-g. and an enhanced dynamic stor age modulus for the filled samples. The results are explained with the help of sol-gel analysis and volume fraction of rubber. It is observed that hig her reinforcement in the case of the filled vulcanizate is obtained by elec tron beam modification, as compared to that using the conventional curing s ystem. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.