Abstract

AbstractThe effect of trihydrated alumina (Al2O3, 3H2O) (ATH) filler in ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and silicone rubber blends was investigated by performing a series of laboratory experiments to simulate different natural aging conditions. Samples with varying ATH content in a 50‐50 blend of EVA and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (silicone rubber, MQ) were tested to investigate the tracking resistance, resistance to UV radiation, corona, heat, and water immersion. Changes in surface resistivity, volume resistivity, and hydrophobic characteristics were evaluated for different compounds having ATH content. These exercises were mainly carried out to optimize the filler level. In immersed condition the water absorption increases with ATH content. The recovery of hydrophobicity, after aging by heat, is appreciable at higher ATH levels, than at lower ATH levels. The tracking and erosion resistance decrease as ATH content increases. When compounds containing different ATH content were subjected to corona treatment, the samples with higher ATH levels exhibited better results. All samples changed their color to a darker shade and there was an increase in the hydrophobicity, when subjected to UV radiation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3505–3516, 2007

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.