Carbon nanotubes‐filled thermoplastic polyurethane–urea and carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber blend nanocomposites

This article reports the preparation and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐filled thermoplastic polyurethane–urea (TPUU) and carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) blend nanocomposites. The dispersion of the MWCNTs was carried out using a laboratory two roll mill. Three different loadings, that is, 1, 3, and 5 wt % of the MWCNTs were used. The electron microscopy image analysis proves that the MWCNTs are evenly dispersed along the shear flow direction. Through incorporation of the nanotubes in the blend, the tensile modulus was increased from 9.90 ± 0.5 to 45.30 ± 0.3 MPa, and the tensile strength at break was increased from 25.4 ± 2.5 to 33.0 ± 1.5 MPa. The wide angle X‐ray scattering result showed that the TPUU:XNBR blends were arranged in layered structures. These structures are formed through chemical reactions of ? NH group from urethane and urea with the carboxylic group on XNBR. Furthermore, even at a very low loading, the high degree of nanotubes dispersion results in a significant increase in the electrical percolation threshold. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40341.     

Vinyl‐containing silicone resin as the crosslinking agent of heat‐curable silicone rubber

Heat‐curable silicone rubber (HCSR) was prepared by using vinyl‐containing silicone resin (VSR) as the crosslinking agent instead of polyvinylsilicone oil (C gum). Mechanical properties and crosslink density of the vulcanizates were measured. The results indicate that VSR is a good crosslinking agent for HCSR. The tensile strength, tearing strength, elongation at break, and hardness of the vulcanizate can reach 10.2 MPa, 29.1 kN/m, 720%, and 58 SHA, respectively. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 3123–3127, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10054     

Effect of tetraphenylphenyl‐modified fumed silica on silicone rubber radiation resistance

Two kinds of treated fumed silica were prepared by treatment with either tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane (TPHTS) or both tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane and hexamethyldisilazane (TPHMTS), and were used as reinforcing filler for silicone rubber. The resistance to irradiation of the silicone rubber obtained was investigated by gamma ray of dose 500 kGy in air. The mechanical properties and the average molecular weight between crosslinking points (Mc) of the silicone rubber were determined before and after irradiation. The results show that the fumed silica treated by tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane (TPHPHS) can effectively improve the radiation resistance of silicone rubber while the fumed silica treated by both tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane and hexamethyldisilazane (MM^N) cannot only effectively improve the radiation resistance of silicone rubber but also has excellent reinforcing effect on silicone rubber. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Mechanical properties of thermoplastic elastomers based on silicone rubber and an ethylene–octene copolymer by dynamic vulcanization

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are a special class of thermoplastic elastomers that are generally produced by the simultaneous mixing and crosslinking of a rubber with a thermoplastic polymer at an elevated temperature. Novel peroxide‐cured TPVs based on blends of silicone rubber and the thermoplastic Engage (an ethylene–octene copolymer) have been developed. These TPVs exhibit very good overall mechanical and electrical properties. With an increasing concentration of dicumyl peroxide, the tensile strength, modulus, and hardness of the TPVs increase, whereas the elongation at break decreases. Significant correlations have been obtained from oscillating disc rheometer torque values with various physical properties, such as the modulus and tension set of the TPVs. The aging characteristics and recyclability of the silicone‐based TPVs are also excellent. Scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs of the TPVs have confirmed a dispersed phase morphology. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Effect of carbon nanotubes functionalization on properties of their nanocomposites with polycarbonate/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) matrix

In this work, a comparative study evaluating the influence of different functionalization of carbon nanotubes on the properties of nanocomposites with polymeric matrix was performed. A 50/50 wt% polycarbonate (PC)/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) blend was used as polymeric matrix of the nanocomposites. The comparison was made between nanocomposites reinforced with covalently functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTf) and MWCNTf/nanoclay hybrid functionalization. The effect on the mechanical and morphological properties of the nanocomposites was evaluated through tensile and Izod impact tests and scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The thermal characterization of PC/ABS blends and nanocomposites was performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed that both methods of functionalization of MWCNTs increased the stiffness and impact resistance of the nanocomposites. TEM micrographs indicated the preferred location of the reinforcements in the SAN phase of ABS. Results from DSC indicated an increase in the thermal resistance of the nanocomposites.     

Reinforcement of ethylene‐acrylic elastomer with a dispersion of grafted PA6 droplets

Cured elastomers are commonly dispersed in thermoplastics, but the reverse morphology has received little attention. The present work examines dispersions of 0.5–2 μm PA6 droplets in ethylene‐acrylic elastomer (AEM), created by melt blending. After cooling, the blends are compounded with amine curative and crosslinked. Uncrosslinked blends exhibit high bound rubber levels compared to N990 carbon black filled AEM, but similar viscosity at equal filler volume fraction. Crosslinking the blends produces strong, heat resistant vulcanizates with minimal Payne effect and good compression set resistance. These properties result from extensive AEM‐PA6 grafting, absence of filler‐filler contacts, and beneficial modification of the oxidation profile under diffusion limited conditions. The data show rubber‐filler grafting strongly influences filler reinforcing ability, but does not directly influence the Payne effect. Relative to unfilled AEM, silica and carbon black fillers accelerate oxidative degradation in proportion to their reinforcing ability, whereas PA6 has a stabilizing effect. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43995.     

Effects of processing parameters on the properties of microwave‐devulcanized ground tire rubber/polyethylene dynamically revulcanized blends

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of processing parameters on properties of dynamically revulcanized blends based on 60 wt % of devulcanized ground tire rubber (GTR) and 40 wt % of high density polyethylene (HDPE). Devulcanization of the GTR was carried out in a system comprised of a conventional microwave oven adapted with a motorized stirring system with speed control. The resulting devulcanized GTR contained 26 wt % soluble in toluene. It was processed with HDPE in a twin screw extruder to produce a dynamically revulcanized blend. Processing parameters such as screw speed and feeding mode were varied. Their effects were evaluated based on tensile, dynamic mechanical, thermal and rheological properties, as well as on morphology. The results show the importance of the processing parameters involved in the production of blends with dynamically revulcanized rubber phase in the extruder, and good match between the residence time of the rubber and its revulcanization kinetics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43503.     

Chemorheological time‐temperature‐transformation‐viscosity diagram: Foamed EPDM rubber compound

Thermal analysis, rheometry, and kinetic modeling are used to generate a comprehensive processability diagram for thermosetting and elastomeric resins. A chemorheological “time‐temperature‐transformation‐viscosity” diagram is proposed to fully characterize curing reactions toward process' on‐line control, optimization, and material design. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric techniques are used to measure total reaction heat, degree of vulcanization, and cure kinetics. The viscosity, as a function of temperature and cure degree, is obtained from parallel plate rheometry. The auto‐catalytic Kamal–Sourour model, including a diffusion‐control mechanism, is used to model cure kinetics, while the Castro–Macosko model serves to model the rheological behavior. Non‐linear least‐squares regression and numerical integration are used to find models' parameters and to construct the chemorheological diagram. The usefulness of the proposed methodology is illustrated in the context of an industrial‐like Ethylene Propylene Diene Termononer rubber compound that includes a chemical blowing agent. Even though the rubber formulation contains crosslinking agents, primary and secondary accelerators, promoters, activators, and processing aids, the chemorheological diagram is obtained consistently, validating the proposed methodology to any thermosetting or elastomeric resin. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43966.     

Synthesis and properties of silicone rubber/organomontmorillonite hybrid nanocomposites

In this article, silicone rubber/organomontmorillonite hybrid nanocomposites were prepared via a melt-intercalation process. The resulting hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results proved that the organomontmorillonite could be exfoliated into ca. 50-nm thickness and uniformly dispersed in the silicone rubber matrix during the melt-intercalation process. Furthermore, the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the hybrids were very close to those of aerosilica-filled silicone rubber. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 1557–1561, 1998     

The mechanical and rheological behavior of the PA/TPU blend with POE‐g‐MA modifier

In this research, we attempt to improve the impact strength and the viscosity of PA (polyamide) by blending two elastomers, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and POE‐g‐MA (maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene‐octene elastomer), in PA matrix with twin screw extruder. The ratio of blending is 80PA/20TPU and 80PA/20TPU/20POE‐g‐MA (66.66PA/16.67TPU/16.67POE‐g‐MA). Results indicate that POE‐g‐MA improves the low viscosity of PA and TPU during the blending process, and also their compatibility. Thus, the 80PA/20TPU/20POE‐g‐MA blend has better tensile stress and elongation than 80PA/20TPU blend, and furthermore POE‐g‐MA significantly improves the impact strength of PA, even to super‐toughness grade. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Hydrogen‐containing silicone resin as the crosslinking agent of heat‐curable silicone rubber

The hydrosilation‐cured vulcanizates (HCV) of silicone rubber were prepared by using hydrogen‐containing silicone resin (HSR) as the crosslinking agent. The influences of both the amount and structure of HSR on hydrosilation‐curing silicone rubber (HCSR) were discussed. The results indicate that HSR is a good crosslinking agent for HCSR. The tensile strength, tearing strength, elongation at break, and hardness of the vulcanizates can reach 9.6 MPa, 37.8 kN/m, 870% and 56 SHA, respectively. The aging stability of the vulcanizates can be improved greatly. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 3066–3069, 2003     

Novel heat‐conductive composite silicone rubber

The silicone rubber with good thermal conductivity and electrical insulation was obtained by taking vinyl endblocked polymethylsiloxane as basic gum and thermally conductive, but electrically insulating hybrid Al₂O₃ powder as fillers. The effects of the amount of Al₂O₃ on the thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), heat stability, and mechanical properties of the silicone rubber were investigated, and it was found that the thermal conductivity and heat stability increased, but the CTE decreased with increasing Al₂O₃ fillers content. The silicone rubber filled with hybrid Al₂O₃ fillers exhibited higher thermal conductivity compared with that filled with single particle size. Furthermore, a new type of thermally conductive silicone rubber composites, possessing thermal conductivity of 0.92 W/mK, good electrical insulation, and mechanical properties, was developed using electrical glass cloth as reinforcement. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2478–2483, 2007     

Studies of nanocomposites based on carbon nanomaterials and RTV silicone rubber

The mechanical and electrical properties were investigated for nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and conductive carbon black (CB). Solution room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber was used as a matrix. Vulcanizates based on CNTs and CB was prepared by solution mixing. With the addition of 2 phr of CNTs to the rubber matrix, the Young's modulus increased by 272% and reached as high as ～706% at 8 phr, whereas the modulus increased only 125% for CB specimens at 10 phr. Similarly, the electrical properties at 5 phr content of CNT were ～0.7 kΩ against ～0.9 kΩ at 20 phr CB. The Kraus plot from equilibrium swelling tests shows that the high properties for CNT specimens are due to high polymer–filler interfacial interactions, the small particle size that improves the distribution of the filler in a highly exfoliated state, and high electrical connective networks among the filler particles. These improvements can especially influence medical products such as feeding tubes, seals and gaskets, catheters, respiratory masks and artificial muscles. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44407.     

POE/硅橡胶热塑性弹性体的力学性能及加工性能研究

采用动态硫化方法制备了乙烯-丙烯共聚物(POE)/硅橡胶热塑性弹性体。考察了共混比和交联剂含量对POE/硅橡胶热塑性弹性体的力学性能以及流变加工特性的影响。结果表明,m(硅橡胶)/m(POE)为60/40,交联剂质量分数为2.5%时表现出优越的力学性能,拉伸强度达到9.8MPa,断裂伸长率达到740%。制备出的POE/硅橡胶在流变测试中表现出优越的流变性能,具有高剪切粘度低,低剪切粘度高的特点。     

Morphology and properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/silicone rubber blends

Blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and silicone rubber (SR) were prepared through melt mixing. The morphology, rheology, crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties and thermal properties of the PVDF/SR blends were investigated. The blend with 9 wt % of SR showed spherical shape of disperse phase whereas the blend with 27 wt % of SR resulted in irregular shape of rubber phase. The rheology showed that the complex viscosity and storage modulus of the blends decreased with increasing the SR content. The mechanical properties of the blends were decreased with increasing the SR content but that were significantly improved after dynamical vulcanization. The crystallization temperature of PVDF phase in PVDF/SR blends was increased. The incorporation of SR improved the thermal stability of PVDF/SR blends, and the temperature at 10% mass loss of the blends increased to about 489°C compared with 478°C of the pure PVDF. The mass of residual char in experiment of the blends was lower than that obtained in theory. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39945.     

Effects of metal oxides on the dielectric and mechanical properties of silicone rubber composites

Polysiloxane dielectric elastomers have garnered a considerable deal of attention over the last decade due to their potential as electroactive soft materials. However, the intrinsic low dielectric constant of polysiloxanes has proven a serious limitation in their practical use. In this work, we controlled the dielectric properties of silicone rubber composites by changing the type and content of oxide fillers. The silicone-based dielectric elastomers with a high dielectric constant (5.21@1 kHz), low modulus (1.62 MPa), and high elongation (1100%) were successfully obtained. The effects of different types of metal oxides on the dielectric properties and mechanical properties of the prepared composites are further explored. Due to their excellent comprehensive features, these types of materials are expected to be applied in capacitive sensors, actuators, generators, and beyond.     

硅橡胶/顺丁橡胶/乙丙橡胶共混材料的研究

针对硅橡胶具有较高耐热性．但力学性能差；三元乙丙橡胶（EPDM）力学性能较好，但互粘性较差；顺丁橡胶（BR）弹性好．但加工性能堇的特点，提出了将硅橡胶、三元乙丙橡胶与顺丁橡胶共混的方法，制成共混材料；再通过测定样品的性能，确定共混的最佳配比。结果表明：BR与EPDM、硅橡胶相客性较好，可达到共硫化；硅橡胶／BR／EPDM质量比为20／30／50时，共混物的物理机械性能和老化性能较好；用过氧化二异丙苯（DCP）／硫磺作硫化剂要好于用硫磺、过氧化二苯甲酰（BPO）和硫磺／BPO硫化剂。试样的耐热老化性能、邵尔A型硬度和扯断伸长率较好，其中样品的综合性能具备了硅橡胶、顺丁橡胶和三元乙丙橡胶的优点。     

Mechanical and aging properties of cross‐linked ethylene propylene diene rubber / styrene butadiene rubber blends

The mechanical properties and aging characteristics of blends of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) were investigated with special reference to the effect of blend ratio and cross‐linking systems. Among the blends, the one with 80/20 EPDM/SBR has been found to exhibit the highest tensile, tear, and abrasion properties at ambient temperature. The observed changes in the mechanical properties of the blends have been correlated with the phase morphology, as attested by scanning electron micrographs (SEMs). The effects of three different cure systems, namely, sulfur (S), dicumyl peroxide (DCP), and a mixed system consisting of sulfur and peroxide (mixed) on the blend properties also were studied. The stress‐strain behavior, tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear strength of the blends were found to be better for the mixed system. The influence of fillers such as high‐abrasion furnace (HAF) black, general‐purpose furnace (GPF) black, silica, and clay on the mechanical properties of 90/10 EPDM/SBR blend was examined. The ozone and water aging studies also were conducted on the sulfur cured blends, to supplement the results from the mechanical properties investigation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2606–2621, 2004     

硅油和白炭黑比表面积对硅橡胶性能的影响

气相法白炭黑是硅橡胶补强的最佳填料,羟基硅油是硅橡胶补强中常用的1种结构控制剂。本文研究了羟基硅油的用量以及气相法白炭黑比表面积对硅橡胶力学性能的影响。结果表明:随着羟基硅油用量的增加,硅橡胶的硬度、拉伸强度均逐渐降低,而断裂伸长率却随羟基硅油用量的增加而逐渐增大;随着气相法白炭黑比表面积的增大,硅橡胶的硬度、拉伸强度逐渐增大,而断裂伸长率逐渐减小。     

纳米SiO2对有机硅树脂增强加成型硅橡胶性能的影响

以由单官能硅氧单元和四官能硅氧单元组成的有机硅树脂(简称MQ硅树脂)增强加成型硅橡胶为基体,采用机械共混方式加入少量纳米S iO2,研究了纳米S iO2对MQ硅树脂增强硅橡胶的性能影响。结果表明,纳米S iO2在硅橡胶中以聚集体的形式存在,大小约为几十到几百纳米;纳米S iO2填充MQ硅树脂增强的硅橡胶的邵尔A硬度、拉伸强度和扯断伸长率与未填充纳米S iO2的硅橡胶基本相当,撕裂强度增大;其高温热稳定性优于未填充纳米S iO2的硅橡胶,但其透明性稍有下降。