Photodegradation of EPDM/MWCNT nanocomposites: Effect of singlet oxygen

Abstract The photo‐oxidation of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanocomposites has been studied under accelerated UV‐irradiation (λ ≥ 290 nm) in the presence of singlet oxygen. The rate of photodegradation of EPDM/MWCNT is found to be higher when compared to the pristine polymer in presence of singlet oxygen. The enhancement of the rate of degradation of composite has been described through [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction between singlet oxygen and double bonds on composite which is followed by cleavage. The rate of degradation and the formation of new functional groups on the composite has been monitored by FTIR spectroscopy and found to be increased with irradiation time. The changes in surface morphology have been studied by scanning electron microscope. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed an increase in the glass transition temperature of photodegraded EPDM and EPDM/MWCNT nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers