Thermal stabilization of ethylene-propylene elastomers by vitamin E

The thermal stability of ethylene-propylene elastomers (EPDM and EPR) conta ining DL-alpha -tocopherolacetate in various concentrations (0.15, 0.25 and 0.50%) was investigated. Three temperatures (185, 195 and 205 degreesC) we re selected for isothermal degradation. The assessment of thermal oxidation was carried out by oxygen uptake procedure. The first derivative method wa s used to find optimal concentration (0.5%) of vitamin E that offers the ma ximal efficiency in thermal stability of EP elastomers. Radiation effect on studied elastomer systems was also pointed out.