Photogenerated hydroperoxides of EPDM rubbers and their characterization

Three different ethylene/propylene/diene (EPDM) rubbers were allowed to react with singlet oxygen. This reaction leads to the production of polymeric pendant hydroperoxides only in one case. Terpolymer ethylene/propylene/5-ethylidene-2-norbornene reacts with singlet oxygen and isolated and associated secondary hydroperoxides are formed. Anthracene was used as a sensitizer for production of singlet oxygen under 365-nm irradiation. The course of hydroperoxide formation was similar in the solid state as well as in the toluene solution. Reactivity of hydroperoxides prepared was tested in their reaction with gaseous dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Both the isolated and associated hydroperoxides react with DMS by dual fast and slow process. Fast process is more significant in the case of the isolated hydroperoxides. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.