Abstract
The role of divalent metals in the degradation of the physico-mechanical properties of radiation-vulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL) films was investigated. RVNRL films were prepared by the addition of metals (Cu, Mg, etc.) of different concentrations (0–30ppm) to natural rubber latex and irradiated with various radiation doses (0–20kGy). The radiation doses were optimized (12kGy), and the adverse effect of metal ions was studied against a reference film prepared with no metal ions. Tensile strength, tear strength, and cross-linking density of the irradiated rubber films decreased with increasing metal ion concentrations and decreasing radiation doses. The mechanical properties of the films were reduced by 10–15% for 30ppm metal ions and at the optimum dose. In contrast, elongation at break, permanent set, and swelling ratio of the films increased at the same conditions. The relative effect of metal ions can be explained by the classical electron concept, reported in this article.
Notes
*CLD: cross-linking density.
*CLD: cross-linking density.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
M. W. Rahman
Dr. Md. Wasikur Rahman (M. W. Rahman) and Mohammed Mosarof Hossain (M. M. Hossain) are both grateful to the authority of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission for allowing and supporting them to carry out the research work at the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology.