Effects of thermal and radiation stresses on elastomer properties

Ethylene Propylene Copolymer and Silicone are used as joints in electrical materials in nuclear power plants in France. In order to determine the elastomer service lifetime in normal and accidental conditions, we have studied the effects of thermal and radiation stresses applied to these materials. After accelerated aging tests, the mechanical properties such as elongation at break and tensile strength allowed us to appreciate the material service lifetime according to IEC 544-2. The lifetime prediction of Ethylene Propylene Copolymer and Silicone in normal conditions was estimated by applying a kinetic model where the constant depends on the Arrhenius law for thermal aging and the dose rate for radiation aging