Abstract
A growing interest in Mars exploration calls for new solutions as an increasing mass of rovers causes their metal alloy wheels to experience serious damage. Martian conditions including temperatures as low as −120 °C and destructive ionizing radiation effectively rule out rubber materials currently used on Earth. This study aims to design and test rubber compounds capable of withstanding harsh Martian conditions while providing good damping properties and remaining elastic in extremely low temperatures. The prepared compounds contained two elastomers – butadiene (BR) and silicone rubber (VMQ) – which both show appropriately low glass transition temperatures. Mixing of the rubbers provided blends combining properties desirable for Martian applications. For better miscibility and chemical coupling trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) compatibilizer containing three thiol groups was incorporated. Additionally, to improve mechanical properties and as afree radical scavenger, carbon black (CB) fillers were used. The properties of compounds with and without the addition of the compatibilizer were evaluated. Obtained data shows the great potential of the BR/VMQ blends for future Martian applications.
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