Acrylic rubbers (ACM) carboxylated by acrylic acid or itaconic acid were prepared by ,60,Co γ-ray or chemical-initiator (K,2,S,2,O,8,) induced emulsion copolymerization. The polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Acid value, molecular weight and polydispersity index (PDI) of the polymers were determined by non-aqueous titration method and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), respectively. Vulcanization and mechanical properties of the filled ACM were studied by rheometric measurement, gel fraction analysis, mechanical property tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The results show that the ACMs prepared by γ-ray irradiation have lower acid value, higher molecular weight and narrower PDI than chemically prepared ACMs of the same composition. The itaconic acid carboxylated ACM has better cure characteristics and mechanical properties than the acrylic acid carboxylated ACM. The itaconic acid carboxylated ACM prepared by γ-ray irradiation has higher gel fraction and better cure characteristics as well as mechanical properties than that prepared by chemical method.