Abstract
Acoustic microscopy has been used to examine changes during water swelling at the surface of a rubber previously treated with an acrylic monomer. Surface modification was carried out with acrylic acid either in aqueous solution or in the vapour phase, and a photografting reaction was achieved with an aqueous solution of acrylic acid in the presence of a photo-initiator. Water sorption induces modifications of the mechanical properties, transforming a rigid polymer into a soft material. Therefore, the acoustic impedance of the material decreases during the swelling process and the evolution of acoustic reflection coefficient is followed. The potential of ultrasonic measurements as an in situ and non-destructive dynamic analysis technique is demonstrated. Mapping of grafted and ungrafted areas on a rubber surface is obtained with acoustic microscopy. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
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