The use of polyfunctional monomers in the radical cure of chlorinated polyethylene

An investigation has been undertaken to find out the effect of different polyfunctional monomers (PFMs) on the physical properties of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) crosslinked by electron beam (EB). The following PFMs were used: triallyl cyanurate (TAC), triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPT) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA). The physical properties of EB-irradiated CPE sheets were evaluated by measuring the tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, elasticity and tear strength. The efficiency of the PFMs studied in enhancing crosslinking has been followed up by measurement of physical and mechanical properties of the vulcanized CPE. Physico-mechanical properties of EB-irradiated samples were compared with the dibenzoyl peroxide-cured samples. Dependence of properties on irradiation dose was determined from a dose range of 0–20 Mrad. The results showed an increase in physico-mechanical properties as a result of introducing PFMs; the most efficient being TAC and TAIC. Moreover, on the basis of the comparison between EB and dibenzoyl peroxide vulcanization efficiency, the results show that EB irradiation offers the best results.