Mechanical Characteristics of a Polymer Composite Material Based on Gamma-Irradiated Low-Molecular-Weight Rubbers

摘要

The effect of gamma-irradiation with doses of 5, 10, 15, and 20 Mrad on the mechanical characteristics of a polymer composite material has been studied. It has been shown that an increase in the radiation dose leads to an increase in the breaking stress and a decrease in the breaking strain. Toughness values have been calculated, from which it follows that the strength of the investigated samples (toughness) increases with increasing radiation dose, reaching a maximum at 20 Mrad. An increase in the test temperature leads to a sharp decrease in the toughness. Irradiation with gamma-rays to a dose of 20 Mrad leads to the material acquiring the properties of ebonite, as indicated by a sharp decrease in the breaking strain and an increase in the breaking stress.