The Radiation Curing of Elastomers. I. Physical Strength

Abstract

Abstract Data has been presented which shows that sulfur crosslinks have very little importance in producing maximum tensile strength in amorphous polymers. The results suggest that the distribution of crosslinks, especially in the case of crystalline polymers, is. a factor to be considered. In general, radiation cured elastomer compounds have physical strength properties very similar to sulfur or peroxide cured compounds. This similarity has been noted for a wide number of other elastomers not reported here. The observed strength deficiency is minor in degree and of little industrial importance provided the other properties are not too different. These properties such as fatigue life, abrasion resistance, and hysteresis will be discussed in a later publication.