Influence of the microstructure of gums on the mechanical properties of silicone high consistency rubbers

This paper is devoted to the characterization and processing of high molar mass vinyl‐bearing polysiloxanes in high consistency silicone rubber (HCR) formulations. The molar masses of five different polydimethylsiloxane gums, bearing vinyl groups at the ends and along their chains, were evaluated by size exclusion chromatography and rheometry. ²⁹Si and ¹H NMR spectroscopy allowed the precise determination of the vinyl content and of the distribution in the different polymers. Typical HCRs formulated from these gums were heat‐cured to process silicone rubber materials that were then tested mechanically. The macromolecular properties were correlated to the final material network structure. The amount of reactive vinyl moieties, rather than their distribution along or at the end of chains, is a key parameter to tailor the material mechanical properties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry