Aging Properties of Chloroprene Rubber in Different Environments for Nuclear Power Plant

Through surface morphology observation and mechanical performance test, the aging characteristics and laws of chloroprene rubber used in condenser water chamber lining, diesel engine high temperature water system expansion joint, and diesel engine system hose in nuclear power plant for many years were analyzed. The results showed that there were cracks on the surface of neoprene rubber used in different environments, and the neoprene rubber used for condenser water chamber lining formed blooming at cracks. The shape and size of cracks on surface of neoprene rubber with and without coating used for diesel engine high temperature water system were different. There were many cracks on surface of neoprene rubber used for diesel engine system hose, and the neoprene at cracks decomposed into lumps. Most of the measured values of mechanical properties of neoprene rubber in three environments did not meet the corresponding standard values, and the measured values had all fallen below 30% of the minimum performance reference value, indicating that the neoprene had aged and failed.