RTV Silicone Rubber Degradation Induced by Temperature Cycling

Abstract

Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber is extensively used in power system due to its hydrophobicity and hydrophobicity transfer ability. Temperature has been proven to markedly affect the performance of silicone rubbers. This research investigated the degradation of RTV silicone rubber under temperature cycling treatment. Hydrophobicity and its transfer ability, hardness, functional groups, microscopic appearance, and thermal stability were analyzed using the static contact angle method, a Shore A durometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetry (TG), respectively. Some significant conclusions were drawn. After the temperature was cycled between −25 • C and 70 • C, the hydrophobicity changed modestly, but its transfer ability changed remarkably, which may result from the competition between the formation of more channels for the transfer of low molecular weight (LMW) silicone fluid and the reduction of LMW silicone fluid in the bulk. A hardness analysis and FTIR analysis demonstrated that further cross-linking reactions occurred during the treatment. SEM images showed the changes in roughness of the RTV silicone rubber surfaces. TG analysis also demonstrated the degradation of RTV silicone rubber by presenting evidence that the content of organic materials decreased during the temperature cycling treatment.

Vaping cartridge heating element compositions and evidence of high temperatures

“…It is also possible some of the other Si-rich rubbers may be silicones instead. Silicone compounds such as polydimethyl-siloxanes volatilize above 300°C [ 28 ], and more volatile silicone compounds are increasingly found as pollutants in indoor environments [ 32 ]. PTFE was identified by FTIR in one cartridge, a compound that can decompose and cause serious illness when heated above approximately 300 C [ 29 ].…”

“…mm and thus can be considered microplastics [26]. Studies from the literature suggest polymer thermal decomposition and volatilization may be a potential concern if internal temperatures reach 300˚C or higher [27][28][29]. The polymers identified in this work were Si-rich rubbers, fluorinated polymers, and semi-synthetic rayon.…”

Design of ANFIS for Hydrophobicity Classification of Polymeric Insulators with Two-Stage Feature Reduction Technique and Its Field Deployment

“…High voltage polymeric insulators are preferred nowadays due to its high hydrophobic surface, faster hydrophobicity recovery, and lower weight over the glass and ceramic insulators [2]. Hydrophobicity reduces with aging, temperature, and pollution deposits on the surface [3][4][5], which leads to a flow of more leakage current, arcing on the surface, and flashover phenomena [6][7][8]. Therefore, periodic hydrophobicity measurement is essential to protect and safely operate the transmission lines.…”

Analysis of Spectral Signatures of Silicone-Based Sealant Materials Used in Residential and Commercial Buildings

“…Silicone is a waterproof polymer extensively used to seal joints and voids to avoid water and air leakage through the building parts. It has been used for a wide range of applications including electronic devices, medical accessories, and in aerospace and construction industries [1], power systems [2], as coating material to improve electrical insulating property [3] [4], and as a sealing material in electrochemical devices such as fuel cells [5], and other industrial applications [6]. Due to its hydrophobic property, silicone rubber is also one of the ideal choices for coating materials exposed to wet environmental condition [4].…”