Changes in the crystalline degree in neutron irradiated EPDM viewed through infrared spectroscopy and inelastic neutron scattering

ABSTRACT The changes in the degree of crystallinity in commercial Ethylene Propylene Diene rubber-type M (EPDM) irradiated with neutrons at different doses has been studied by means of inelastic neutron scattering and infrared absorption spectroscopy experiments. EPDM samples were taken from the housing of non-ceramic electrical insulators which are used in outdoor transmission lines of 66 kV. Inelastic neutron scattering spectra were recorded at 5 K with an accessible energy-transfer range between 180 - 3500 cm-1. Infrared studies were performed at room temperature with an energy transfer bet...