Mechanical Properties Changes of Irradiated Thermoplastic Elastomer.

David Manas,Stanislav Sehnalek,Pavel Stoklasek,Martin Ovsik,Ales Mizera,Miroslav Manas,Lenka Hylova

doi:10.3390/polym10010087

Abstract

Some polymers need a cross-linking agent for the controlled cross-linking process of polymers with a tendency to degradation during the radiation cross-linking process. While, on the other hand, other polymers do not need a cross-linking agent—predominantly there are cross-linking polymers. The Thermo-Plastic Elastomer (TPE) that was used belongs to this group of predominantly cross-linking polymers; however, this agent is added because of faster reaction times and smaller irradiation doses. Microindentation–tensile and tensile impact tests were carried out on a thermoplastic sample—with, and without, a cross-linking agent. Small changes were measured between these materials at low radiation doses, (up to 66 kGy); nevertheless, at higher doses, the influence of the cross-linking agent on the mechanical properties is significant.

Highlights

In comparison to thermoplastics, rubber materials consist of long polymeric chains that have a high degree of mobility and flexibility, and are joined into a network structure
It is possible to observe the huge influence of a cross-linking agent on electron-beam irradiated Thermo-Plastic Elastomer (TPE)
At the irradiation dose of 99 kGy, the TPE gel content is 57%; and 79% was measured for V-TPE

Summary

Introduction

Rubber materials consist of long polymeric chains that have a high degree of mobility and flexibility, and are joined into a network structure. After cross-linking, the chains transform into a network structure, the system starts to have solid-like features, where the chains are prevented from flowing into each other under external stress, which causes a typical rubber to be able to be stretched up to 10 times its original length. According to their material properties, Thermo-Plastic Elastomers (TPEs) are included among rubber and thermoplastics materials. After melting the hard phase—or its dissolution in a solvent—the TPE can flow and can be processed by normally used processing methods and, after cooling or evaporation of the solvent, the hard phase becomes solid again and the material regains its elasticity and strength back [1]

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