Radiation resistance of polymer materials; Degradation evaluation by accelerated testing for application condition

Seguchi, Tadao*; Sorimachi, Masami*; Tamura, Kiyotoshi

The radiation resistance of 25 type polymer materials as plastics and rubbers applied in practical environments was evaluated by the accelerated testing of -ray irradiation under oxygen pressure, and compared with the radiation resistance determined from the traditional testing by irradiation with a high dose rate in air. The polymer materials were formulated to be similar or equivalent to practical materials, and the most of formulation (chemical compounds and quantities) were disclosed. For all materials, the tensile properties (elongation at break, ultimate strength, 100% or 200% modulus), electric resistivity, gel-fraction, and density were measured after irradiation in oxidation conditions and non-oxidation conditions. The data of relations between each properties and total dose at various conditions were compiled, and the relations among the changes of mechanical properties, electrical properties, and radiation induced chemical reactions were discussed.