Effect of electron beam irradiation on the properties of EVA/EPDM blends

Abstract

Effect of electron beam (EB) irradiation on the properties of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) (50/50) blends was studied. The blends were firstly melt-compounded at 130°C followed with being irradiated using 4.0 MeV EB energy at doses ranging from 0 kGy to 200 kGy. It is found that the dosage of irradiation plays a key role in the properties of the blends. With the increasing dosage of irradiation, tensile strength and thermal stability were enhanced. The irradiation exerts a cross-linking effect on the blends, and the increase in density is responsible for the enhanced properties. Dynamic mechanical and thermal analyses and morphology indicate that irradiation does not play any negative role in the compatibility between EVA and EPDM. Hot set test reveals that irradiation could improve the heat deformation property of blends. Thus, it is reasonable and interesting to modify EVA/EPDM blends using EB irradiation to further increase its properties.