Irradiation crosslinking of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride in the presence of additives

Abstract

Electron beam initiated crosslinking of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, UPVC, has been carried out over a range of irradiation doses (20–200 kGy). The effects of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and Irganox 1010 on the rate of crosslinking were also studied. Changes in gel fraction, hardness, tensile strength and damping properties upon irradiation were investigated. Results revealed that under the irradiation conditions employed, the stabilized UPVC are crosslinked by the electron beam. Addition of 4 phr TMPTA was found to be effective in increasing the rate while Irganox 1010 inhibits crosslinking. A considerable increase in glass transition temperature upon irradiation of UPVC in the presence of TMPTA was noted. Further, within the dose range studied, the degradation caused by electron beam irradiation was found to be minimal.