A study on radiation crosslinking of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) rubber latex

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) rubber latex with two sorts of sensitizers, trimethylol propane tri-methacrylate (TMPTMA) and diethylene glycol di-acrylate (DEGDA), was irradiated with y-rays and electron beams in various conditions. The radiation crosslinking reaction of PDMS occurs in the inner phase of the latex and is relatively isolated from the water phase. Therefore the oxygen and the radicals produced by the radiolysis reaction of water almost have no effect on the crosslinking reaction of polymer. The experimental data correspond with the Charlesby-Pinner relationship in the main. The gelation doses, degree of crosslinking and degradation as well as G values of crosslinking were calculated. From them, the sensitization coefficients were derived to offer a quantitative measurement of the enhancing effect of sensitizer on the radiation crosslinking. ? 2004 Springer-Verlag.EI02147-1542