Statistical analysis of radiation crosslinking process parameters on the mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) using the Taguchi method

In this study, the tensile properties of plasticized PVC cables were optimized using radiation crosslinking process parameters, such as the crosslinking agent type, agent content, gamma irradiation dose rate, and PVC K value. Formulations were arranged for optimization using the Taguchi-based design of the experiments. Tensile tests were performed on all these different formulations to calculate the signal-to-noise ratios, which were used to maximize the tensile strength and strain values. Finally, regression and analysis of variance statistical analyses were performed to determine the effect of each design factor on the tensile properties. In addition, the gel content of each sample was measured and discussed to support the crosslinking performance on tensile properties. The analysis showed that the K value of PVC was the most significant process parameter affecting both tensile strength and strain. The results also indicated that the ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) crosslinking agent performed better than trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) for the tensile strain. The optimum agent content was found to be 10 phr for maximum tensile properties. As a result of the analyses, it is worth noting that the K value of PVC should be considered to maximize the crosslinking performance on the tensile properties.

Graphical abstract