The effect of silane type on mechanical properties and fogging phenomenon of lamp socket rubber

Abstract

Bis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulphide (TESPT) and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MTMO) were used as silane coupling agent for silica fume. The modified silica fume was used as reinforcing filler in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) for lamp socket rubber. The cure characteristics, rubber mechanical properties and fogging phenomenon of lamp socket rubber were investigated. Test results showed that the maximum torque (MH) and differential torque (MH-ML) increased but the minimum torque (ML), cure time at 10% and 90% decreased with the increasing of silane coupling agent loading. The comparison rubber mechanical properties of modified silica fume by TESPT and MTMO was also discussed. The TESPT showed the enhancement in rubber mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength and 300% modulus more than MTMO. The fogging test of lamp socket rubber by the gravimetric method used to control rubber products quality in automotive industry. The using of modified silica fume by TESPT showed the better result than MTMO due to less mass of condensable constituent.