Role of Divalent Metals in Polymer Degradation

• Published in: International journal of polymer analysis & characterization Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 39 - 47
• Main Authors: Rahman, M. W., Alam, M. J., Hossain, M. M., Dafader, N. C., Haque, M. E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Taylor & Francis 01-01-2014; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Crosslinking; Degradation; Density; Elongation; Irradiation; Latex; Metal ions; Metals; Natural rubber; Natural rubber latex; Polymers; Radiation; Rubber products; Vulcanization
• ISSN: 1023-666X; 1563-5341
• DOI: 10.1080/1023666X.2014.850908

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.