Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.73, No.2, 169-175, 1999
The use of crosslinking promoters in the gamma-radiolysis of poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoromethylvinyl ether). I
Incorporation of 1 wt % of triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) significantly enhanced the radiation crosslinking of the perfluoroelastomer, poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoromethylvinyl ether) (TFE/PMVE). The dose for gelation was lowered by 70% with the presence of TAIC. The additive also improved the tensile properties of TFE/ PMVE both before and after crosslinking by irradiation. Higher radical yields were obtained with the presence of TAIC at 77 K, indicating the crosslinking promoter was acting as a radical trap. ESR studies showed that radiolysis of TAIC and subsequent photobleaching cleaved an allyl branch from the ring structure. Upon thermal annealing, an allyl radical on the TAIC molecule was observed.
Keywords:poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoromethylvinylether);crosslinking promoters;gamma radiolysis;tensile properties;gelation;radicals