Mechanical behaviour characterizing and simulation of polyacrylate rubber

Purpose: of this paper is to investigate the influence of EB radiation on the mechanical behaviour of UV curing polyacrylate rubber (ACM) and to simulate its behaviour. Design/methodology/approach: The material was irradiated by two different EB doses, 100 kGy and 250 kGy, its mechanical behaviour was investigated with the help of uniaxial, equibiaxial and planar shear experiments. The results were applied to the Ogden’s Model (1972) in order to obtain the parameters to simulate the material behaviour by finite element method (FEM) and to compare experimental and FEM curves. The structure molecular changes caused by EB were investigated with the help of infrared spectroscopy. Findings: In most cases the experimental results showed an increase in the strength at rupture and a decrease in the elongation at the rupture with increasing of radiation dose. Equibiaxial and planar shear tests presented similar behaviour like uniaxial results, in terms of elongation decrease and strength increase, with some deviations. Ogden’s Model third order provided simulated curves with similar behaviour in comparison to experimental curves. The infrared spectroscopy showed different chemical group contents in the analyzed regions, surface and middle region. Research limitations/implications: Two doses of EB radiation were applied; higher or lower doses were not investigated. Practical implications: Improved behaviour of UV curing ACM can extend the range of industrial applications, or improve its performance in known applications. Originality/value: Usually EB radiation has been used to modify polymeric structure and to improve thermal and mechanical polymers behaviour. Regarding like rubber materials EB is usually applied as an alternative form of vulcanization. UV is a new type of curing for polyacrylate rubbers, which are usually cured by thermal processes.