Ceramizable silicone rubber composites. influence of type of mineral filler on ceramization
Dariusz M. Bieliński, Rafał Anyszka, Zbigniew Pędzich, Grzegorz Parys, Jan Dul
Quarterly No. 4, 2012 pages 256-261
DOI:
keywords: silicone composites, ceramization, mechanical strength, thermal properties
abstract The phenomenon of silicone rubber ceramization is based on preventing the release of volatile compounds resulting from the thermal decomposition of the polymer matrix through the creation of a ceramic coating on the composite surface. Usually, the coating is composed of mineral filler particles, combined with a fluxing agent. The ceramic barrier created is to protect the copper wire inside the cable from melting, which is additionally strong enough to maintain the mechanical integrity of the electrical circuit. The paper presents experimental data on the mechanical properties of silicone rubber composites, the morphology and strength of their ceramized layer and associated thermal characteristics and flammability of the materials. The results were analysed in terms of their material composition, type, size and surface modification of the mineral fillers. The composite with wollastonite exhibited the most stable structure and properties. Their porosity was the east dependent on the thermal conditions of ceramization, leaving a considerable amount of sub-micron pores up to the highest temperatures.