The effectiveness of rubbers based on ethylene propylene rubbers as radiation-resistant materials

The article discusses the main aspects of the use of rubber products based on triple ethylene propylene rubbers of domestic and foreign production, filled with an anti-radiation additive based on a composition of oxides of rare earth elements, as radiation-resistant elastomeric materials. The use of elastomers in the nuclear industry makes it possible to solve many urgent problems and ensure the operation of many critical products and mechanisms, the functioning of which is not possible without the use of elastic materials. This paper presents the results of the study and comparison of the physico-mechanical and operational properties of rubbers based on various ethylene propylene rubbers of domestic and foreign production with the addition of anti-radiation additive VKR-5M for their use as radiation-resistant elastomeric materials. The basic physical, mechanical and operational characteristics of rubber mixtures and rubbers based on ethylene propylene rubbers of domestic and foreign production have been studied. The main mechanisms and properties of radiation aging of elastomers, as well as ways to increase their resistance to ionizing radiation are considered. The paper presents the results of studies of frost resistance, heat resistance, radiation and thermal radiation resistance of rubbers based on ethylene propylene rubbers, which contain an anti-radiation additive based on the composition of rare earth element oxides WRC-5M, the advantages and disadvantages of various brands of domestic and foreign ethylene propylene rubbers in various operating conditions, and conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness of the introduction of anti-radiation additives WRC-5M, which increases the radiation resistance of rubbers. Based on the analysis of the data obtained during the work, the most radiation-resistant elastomeric base for rubbers used in conditions of increased radiation exposure was determined.