Radio vulcanization of natural rubber latex: gamma rays versus electron beam

The vulcanization of 60% DRC natural rubber latex was carried out by gamma rays (60 Co source, dose rate = 2.24 kGy/h) and electrons beam (Dynamitron accelerator, I = 25 m A, E = 1.5 MeV), in the presence and absence of sensitizer (C Cl4, An-B/H Pt-B). The vulcanization by gamma rays and electrons beam was evaluated with regard to vulcanization dose, tensile strength and sensitizer. The vulcanization by electrons beam was better than gamma rays in absence of sensitizer. However the vulcanization by gamma rays was the best in the presence of An-B/H Pt-B; because the vulcanization dose decreased more 20 times and tensile strength increased. (author)