Effect of Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate (TMPTA) on the Properties of Irradiated Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR-50), Ethylene-(vinyl acetate) Copolymer (EVA), and an ENR-50/EVA Blend

摘要

The effect of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) monomer on the tensile properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and morphology of irradiated epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50), ethylene-(vinyl acetate) copolymer (EVA), and an ENR-50/EVA blend was investigated. The ENR-50, EVA, and ENR-50/EVA blend were irradiated by using a 3.0-MeV electron-beam apparatus at doses ranging from 20 to 100 kGy. The improvement of tensile properties and morphology with irradiation indicated the advantage of having irradiation-induced crosslinks in these materials. Observation of the properties studied confirmed that TMPTA was efficient in enhancing the irradiation-induced crosslinking of ENR-50, EVA, and the ENR-50/EVA blend. Addition of TMPTA improved the adhesion between the ENR-50/EVA blend phases by forcing grafting and crosslinking at a higher irradiation dose (100 kGy).