ABSTRACT
The network structure developed during the curing process will greatly define the mechanical response of a rubber. Nonetheless, crosslinking mechanisms commonly admitted for non-fluorinated rubbers may not be applicable for fluoroelastomers due to the steric hindrance of fluorine. The aim of this experimental study is to apprehend the crosslinking processes of a fluoroelastomer cured by peroxide in presence of triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC). TAIC is commonly used as coagent to increase the crosslinking efficiency of numerous rubbers by reducing undesirable reactions. Several formulations based on FKM/peroxide/TAIC were prepared, varying the amount of TAIC. The cure characteristics and physico-mechanical properties were determined using Moving Die Rheometer (MDR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), swelling tests and tensile tests.
