Influence of TiO2 in Absorbing Electron Beam Radiation on Silicone Rubber

Abstract

The influence of electron beam radiation on silicone rubber compounded with TiO 2 was studied with variation in doses of the pigment. The rubber was mixed with TiO 2 and a proportionate quantity of silicone rubber cross linker which was then subjected to varying doses of electron beam. The physicomechanical and the ageing properties of the rubber was investigated with increasing incorporation of the TiO 2 pigment. It was observed that the tensile strength of the polymer rose marginally with a corresponding marginal reduction in the value of elongation at break. The tear strength also displayed a pattern similar to that of the changes in elongation with the highest value lying with the base rubber compound. The heat ageing behaviour indicated a profound positive effect on the retention of tensile properties with increasing content of TiO 2 at different doses of radiation. Considering all the results, the concentration level of TiO 2 and radiation dose has been optimized to achieve a modified silicone elastomer having the best possible physicomechanical properties.