Effect of Organoclays on Fire Resistance of Siloxane Rubbers

Abstract

The technological progress constantly raises standards for items operated in rough conditions in order to improve their reliability in a wide range of operating temperatures, fire resistance and sustainability. Researches aimed at discovering flame retardant agents that would help to develop siloxane rubbers with increased fire-resistance are of great scientific interest and have a practical significance. We have studied the effect of aluminium hydroxide on the physical and mechanical properties and fire-resistance of siloxane rubbers. The study has shown that the aluminium hydroxide acts as an effective fire retardant at its content in the rubber over 40 % (wt.), however, it significantly decreases the physical and mechanical properties of the siloxane rubbers and causes difficulties in processing of the rubber mix. The research has shown that the additional introduction of organoclays (5 pts. wt.) improves the fire-resistance of such rubbers, the most effective being montmorillonites modified with alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride.