Analysis of Physical–Chemical Properties and Space Environment Adaptability of Two-Component RTV Silicone Rubber

Abstract

Silicone rubber (SR) has the properties of organic−inorganic materials and good adaptability to the space environment, which can be used as an atomic oxygen (AO)-resistant layer on the spacecraft surface. In this study, SR coatings were used to spray on the polyimide surface to prevent atomic oxygen erosion. Then, the physical, chemical, and AO-resistant properties of the SR were investigated. By means of laser diffraction scattering particle size distribution tests, energy-dispersive spectroscopy elemental mapping, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the fillers and matrix were confirmed as precipitated silica and phenyl SR, respectively. Through analysis of swelling behavior, greater crosslinking density and less swelling ratio were observed at higher temperature and humidity. Furthermore, after AO was exposed with an accumulated fluence of 1.2 × 10 21 atoms/cm 2 , cracks appeared on the coating surface with the change of element content. In addition, it was found that the degree of reaction between AO and SR should not be determined based on mass loss measurements. Our work showed the practical application and great potential of SR protective coating in spacecraft.

Progress in research on the safety of silicone rubber products in food processing

“…The SRs adding with smaller particle size additives are expected to have a longer service life than the SR adding with larger particle size additives, which may associated with higher surface roughness and poor thermal conductivity in larger particle size additives. Precipitated silica and fumed silica are generally used as reinforcing fillers for two‐component condensation‐type room temperature vulcanized SR (RTV‐SR), which can significantly improve the mechanical properties and thermal stability of SR composites (Mishra et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2021; Zhao & Zhang, 2015). RTV‐SR filled with nano‐silica had higher corrosion resistance than RTV‐SR filled with micro‐silica (Meyer et al., 2006).…”

Preparation and Application of Latent Microcapsule Catalysts in One-Component Silicone Rubber Curing

“…As a result, it is widely used in the encapsulation of electronic components and electrical equipment. − In industrial settings, the most common method for producing silicone rubber involves using a two-component addition liquid silicone rubber. However, air bubble formation during the mixing process can be problematic, resulting in longer vulcanization times, slower curing rates, and reduced production efficiency. , To solve this problem, one-component silicone rubber was invented by researchers and engineers, which suggests a viable and economical methodology.…”

“…However, air bubble formation during the mixing process can be problematic, resulting in longer vulcanization times, slower curing rates, and reduced production efficiency. 4,5 To solve this problem, one-component silicone rubber was invented by researchers and engineers, which suggests a viable and economical methodology.…”

Ladder Polyphenylsilsesquioxanes and Their Niobium–Siloxane Composite as Coating Materials: Spectroscopy and Atomic Oxygen Resistance Study

“…Siloxane polymers are a class of non-carbon materials, whose erosion rate when exposed to AO is one to two orders of magnitude lower than that of organic polymers in a low-Earth orbit [ 7 , 10 , 11 ]. In addition to a lower erosion rate upon exposure to AO, siloxane polymers form a protective barrier layer of silicon dioxide, consisting of SiO x fragments (where x ranges from 1.8 to 2.0) [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. With constant exposure to AO, the inorganic surface layer prevents further degradation of the polymer underneath.…”

“…With constant exposure to AO, the inorganic surface layer prevents further degradation of the polymer underneath. However, this siloxane-to-silica surface transformation tends to create tensile stresses leading to coating cracking and loss of its integrity [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”