Effect of radiation on mechanical properties and molecular structure of rubbers for nuclear robots

Abstract

As polymers, rubber materials are easily affected by radiation; therefore, their radiation resistance must be considered for their use in robots and automation equipment in high-radiation environments. In this study, the properties of several common rubber materials, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), fluororubber (FKM), and acrylate rubber (ACM), were investigated under high-dose gamma-ray irradiation. The dose rate of gamma rays was 66.76 Gy/min, and the cumulative dose was 1214965.24 Gy. Oxidative decomposition of the double bond of EPDM occurred, leading to slight decreases in the strength and elongation. NBR and HNBR were mainly subjected to crosslinking of the molecular structure, resulting in small increases in strength and significant decreases in elongation. The cyano decomposition reaction occurred in ACM, and its crystallinity increased, leading to embrittlement and decreases in the strength and elongation. Oxidative decomposition and cross-linking simultaneously occurred in FKM, resulting in an increase in strength and decreases in elongation and the elastic modulus.