Radiation-processed styrene-butadiene-co-ethylene-propylene diene rubber blends:: Compatibility and swelling studies

Radiation-induced compatibility behavior of SBR-EPDM blends of different composition has been investigated using dilute solution viscometry. The results show that at a threshold dose of 10 kGy, good interaction between the components of the blends is achieved. Higher radiation doses lead to formation of crosslinked three-dimensional copolymer network, whose swelling depends on the radiation dose imparted. The anomalous diffusion of solvent into the gels was confirmed by rigorous treatment of the swelling data. Permeation data agreement with the series model indicated that in SBR-EPDM blends EPDM exists as continuous phase and SBR as dispersed phase. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.