Modification of fluoroelastomer by electron beam irradiation

Abstract

Fluoroelastomer is a polymer usually used as a sealing material due to some excellent properties, comparing to other elastomers, such as good chemical and thermal resistance. The fluoroelastomer used in this paper was a commercial product obtained from two monomers, vinylidene and hexafluoropropylene, containing also carbon black and inorganic fillers. Samples were irradiated with electron beam at doses from 10 to 250 kGy. The results obtained showed that electron beam radiation, in the studied conditions, promotes significance changes in the fluoroelastomer mechanical properties ending up in an increase of hardness, tensile strength and stiffness. The modifications on the mechanical properties can be related to a better adhesion between the fluoroelastomer and the fillers, induced by EB radiation. Micrographs obtained by Scanning Electron Microscopy for non-irradiated and irradiated samples confirmed this behavior.