| Abstract: | The mechanism of radiation‐induced structural changes in epoxidized natural rubber was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Samples were irradiated both under vacuum and in air. Because the rubbers crosslinked during irradiation, solid‐state NMR had to be used. The cross polarized/magic angle spinning NMR spectra were used to calculate the radiation yields. Ring opening of the epoxy groups was found to occur during irradiation. Most of the crosslinking was due to epoxy group ring opening, and very little or no C C crosslinking was observed. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry |
