Optimization of the properties of radiation regenerate used in elastomeric roofing materials

The results of research on the problem of regeneration of rubbers based on butyl rubber are presented. The advantages of radiation destruction of butyl rubbers are substantiated. The diaphragms of the vulcanizer formers, which were exposed to ionizing radiation at the Co60 source, were chosen as the objects of the study. The effect of the irradiation dose on the technological properties of the recovered regenerates and the elasto-strength properties of the compositions based on them was studied. It is established that the treatment of diaphragm rubbers with a dose of 50, 70 kGy provides an optimal set of properties. An analysis of the structural changes that occur during irradiation of spent diaphragms showed that at high doses of 20-40 kGy a high level of high-elastic deformation remains, while a sufficient number of crosslinked structures remain. At an irradiation dose > 40 kGy, the destructant acquires the ability to roll. The effect of machining on diaphragm rubbers subjected to radiation exposure has been studied. It was found that processing on rotor-type equipment reduces the viscosity of the compositions. The procedure for optimizing the composition of roofing rubber compounds was performed depending on the irradiation dose of diaphragm rubbers and the dosage of the regenerate. Regression statistics and variance analysis confirmed the adequacy of the model and the significance of the coefficients of the equation. The error in the calculations for the tensile strength was 0.65%, for the MI viscosity, 1.23%. On the basis of the developed regenerants, roofing rubber compounds were made and their properties were investigated. It is shown that the use of butyl rubber regenerants in a recipe of roofing rubbers with a dose of 50, 70 kGy provides the required level of properties and reduces their cost price. It is recommended to use these materials in the composition of hydro-insulating materials to improve technological properties and reduce their cost.