Silicone Radiation Resistance
Exposure of silicone rubber to radiation will cause changes very similar to those caused by heat aging. Continued exposure to radiation will cause an increase in hardness and a decrease in both tensile strength and elongation. The effects are proportional to the total amount of the radiation level received. General purpose compounds remain flexible after exposure to 108 Rads.
| Theoretical results of exposure of silicone to radiation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dosage (rads) | Elongation (%) | Tensile (psi) |
| None | 200 | 1200 |
| 5 x 106 | 130 | 100 |
| 5 x 107 | 50 | 900 |
| 5 x 108 | 20 | 600 |
References
1) Dow Corning Corporation (1979) Designing with silicone rubber p19
2) General Electric Company (1987) High performance elastomers p3
