Study of Dependence of the Mechanical Properties of Polydicyclopentadiene Irradiated with Electron and γ Radiation

The stress–strain properties of polydicyclopentadiene synthesized by ring opening metathesis polymerization are studied depending on the absorbed dose and radiation type. The dependence of the ultimate strength on the absorbed dose has a complex nature. Signs of restoration of the ultimate strength of polydicyclopentadiene in the dose range from 0.4 and 0.7 MGy to the corresponding value of the unirradiated sample are revealed. The ultimate strength of the sample irradiated at a dose of 0.5 MGy is reduced by no more than 12% compared to the unirradiated sample. Other changes in the strength remain within 6.0–0.5%. Polydicyclopentadiene generally behaves as predominantly radiation-resistant. Regardless of the radiation type (electron beam or γ) and manufacturing method, polydicyclopentadiene has the ability to be crosslinked under irradiation. A hypothesis is proposed to explain processes occurring in the structure of the material.