THE PROPERTIES OF GAMMA IRRADIATED ELASTOMERIC NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON CHLOROSULFONATED POLYETHYLENE

In the case of irradiation of polymeric materials, the progress in oxidative degradation depends on absorbed dose, dose rate, exposure environment, energy of irradiation, chemistry of material, and previous state of ageing. It is known that the main effect of the interactions between gamma rays and rubber macromolecules is the formation of free radicals, whose further evolution can cause crosslinking with increase in the crosslinking density or chain scission. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene is specifically recommended for sheeting of cables in nuclear energetic plants. Elastomers based on this network precursor are resistant to wear and repeated deformation and have excellent irradiation resistance. The goal of the current work was to study the effects of γ-ray radiation for elastomers based on chlorosulfonated polyethylene in combination with nitrile rubber. The reinforcing filler was nano-silica. The irradiation was performed in the Co60 radiation sterilization unit. The level of ageing was evaluated using the hardness and swelling measurement. The use of silica nano-particles improved the swelling resistance in toluene after irradiation ageing