The Influence of γ-Radiation on the Structure and Mechanical Characteristics of a Polymer Composite Material Based on Low-Molecular Rubbers

For the first time, the effect of γ-radiation (with doses of 5, 10, 15, and 20 Mrad) on the structure and mechanical characteristics of a polymer composite material based on low-molecular-weight rubbers has been studied. It is shown that an increased radiation dose increases its breaking stress and decreases the breaking strain. The fracture energies are calculated from experimental values of the breaking stress and breaking strain. It is shown that the strength (fracture energy) of samples increases with radiation dose. On irradiation with a dose of 20 Mrad, samples acquired the property of ebonite, which was indicated by a sharp decrease in the breaking strain and an increase in the breaking stress. Based on the study of IR spectra of samples, it is assumed that the change in their mechanical characteristics under the influence of γ-radiation is caused by changes in the structure of the material, i.e., destruction of the carbonyl double bond and an increase in the concentration of other chemical bonds.