Effect of Fluorosilicone Rubber on Mechanical Properties, Dielectric Breakdown Strength and Hydrophobicity of Methyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber

Abstract

Silicone rubber (SIR) is used in high-voltage insulators because of its insulation, and excellent hydrophobicity is very important in harsh outdoor environments. To enhance the hydrophobicity and low-temperature resistance of silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber and fluorosilicone rubber (FSIR) blend composites with different ratios were prepared. The samples were characterized and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis and static contact angle testing. The results showed that after blending, SIR and FSIR were well compatible. FSIR had higher elastic modulus and reduced the tensile strength to some extent in SIR/FSIR composites. The addition of a small amount of FSIR made its crystallization temperature decrease from −30 to −45 °C, meaning that the low-temperature resistance was significantly improved. The breakdown strength of SIR/FSIR composites can still be maintained at a high level when a small amount of FSIR is added. The contact angle of the composites increased from 108.9 to 115.8° with the increase in FSIR content, indicating the enhanced hydrophobicity. When the samples were immersed in water for 96 h, the hydrophobicity migration phenomenon occurred. The static contact angle of the samples with less FSIR content had a weaker decreasing trend, which illustrated that the hydrophobicity was maintained at a high level.

Advances in Functional Rubber and Elastomer Composites

“…Furthermore, Liu et al [ 15 ] used hydrophobized, bio-based, microfibrillated cellulose as a reinforcing filler in silica/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) tire tread compounds, observing a notable increase in mechanical properties compared to the sole use of silica/SBR compounds. Meanwhile, Wang et al [ 16 ] enhanced the mechanical, dielectric, and hydrophobic properties of commonly used Methyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber by blending it with Fluorosilicone Rubber. Carbon black and silica remain dominant fillers in the rubber industry; Magaletti et al [ 17 ] utilized modified carbon black with a bio-sourced Janus molecule to reinforce rubber, significantly reducing energy dissipation compared to conventional silica or carbon black-reinforced rubber compounds.…”

Effect of polydiborosiloxane on the mechanical properties of silicone rubber foam with dual network structure

“…Silicone rubber as a polymer elastomer is extensively used in various field due to its excellent thermal stability, 1 mechanical property, 2 biocompatibility, and radiation resisting property. [3][4][5][6][7] Silicone rubber foam, as a kind of porous fixable material, 8,9 not only exhibits the advantages of silicone rubber, but also have light weight, heat insulation, sound insulation, energy absorption, and shock resistance. [10][11][12] Therefore, silicone foam material is widely used in electromagnetic shielding, 13 flexible tactile sensor, 14 aerospace industry, 15 and other aspects.…”