Thermal ageing of acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer

The thermal ageing at 100 degrees C of vulcanized acrylonitrile-butadiene c opolymer (NBR) is described. Analysis was based both on infrared spectrosco py (surface analysis) and on physical properties analysis (tensile and micr ohardness tests). Both methods appear to be complementary to describe the t wo competitive phenomena (oxidation and crosslinking) involved in the elast omer ageing. It is emphasised that the mechanical behaviour of aged NBR is different in comparison with chloroprene rubber. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.