Improvement in the radiation stability of synthetic elastomer epdm modified with metallic selenium

This study presents the antioxidant effects induced by metallic selenium in ethylene- propylene terpolymer (EPDM) subjected to accelerated ageing by γ-irradiation. Several doses were applied up to 100 kGy in order to qualify this material for nuclear applications. Three concentrations (0.25, 0.50, and 1% w/w) of Se in elastomer were prepared. FTIR spectroscopy and chemiluminescence were performed for characterization of oxidation progress. Kinetic parameters expressed in a function of received dose are assessed for emphasizing the stabilization efficiency of selenium.