Electron-beam irradiation of poly(vinyl chloride)/epoxidized natural rubber blend in the presence of Irganox 1010

The effect of irradiation on a 50/50 poly(vinyl chloride)/epoxidized natura l rubber blend was studied in the presence of 0-1.5 phr Irganox 1010. The b lend was irradiated by using a 3.0 MeV electron beam machine at 0, 100 and 200 kGy irradiation doses. The results on the gel fraction and tensile stre ngth revealed the inhibition of the irradiation-induced crosslinking by the Irganox 1010. The dynamic mechanical analysis and scanning electron micros copic studies further confirmed these observations. The consumption of the Irganox 1010 during irradiation and the stability offered by the antioxidan t against irradiation-induced oxidative degradation was evident from FTIR a nalysis. The retention in the tensile strength upon ageing at 70 degreesC/1 68 h suggests that the addition of 0.5 phr Irganox 1010 is essentially suff icient to provide stability to the blend with minimum loss in mechanical pr operties during irradiation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.