High Temperature Vulcanization Research Articles

Effect of Titanium Dioxide on Cure Characteristics and Physico Mechanical Properties of High-Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone Rubber Composites

Silicone rubber (SiR), a vital elastomer, is extensively used in producing various engineering and general products, owing to its distinctive properties. Despite the remarkable properties, SiR-based products require anti-microbial agents such as titanium dioxide, TiO2 to negate black mold issues. Still, adding this agent alters the composites' processability and physical and mechanical properties. This study examined the impact of adding different TiO2 content as fillers on silicone rubber composites' processability, physical properties, and mechanical properties. Raw materials of 20-hardness high-temperature-vulcanization (HTV) SiR- reinforced with various TiO2 contents at 0.0, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 wt% were prepared using a two-roll mill. The results indicated SiR composites reinforced with 0.3 wt% TiO2 exhibited the best performance with a tensile strength of 1.49 MPa, elongation at break of 340.87%, modulus 100% of 0.664 MPa, modulus 300% of 0.822 MPa, and modulus 500% of 0.954 MPa. This performance can be attributed to the efficient crosslink density and the effective interactions between the TiO2 and silicone rubber particles at this concentration. Structural and morphological analyses further corroborated the results. Consequently, it can be inferred that silicone rubber reinforced with 0.3 wt% titanium dioxide holds the potential for formulating silicone rubber compounds that necessitate anti-microbial properties.

Preparation of HTV silicone rubber with hydrophobic–uvioresistant composite coating and the aging research

Abstract A series of high temperature vulcanization (HTV) silicone rubbers with TiO2 ultraviolet (UV) shielding layer and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hydrophobic layer were prepared via stepwise spray method. It was found that the hydrophobic PTFE liquid emulsion (PTFEL) could steadily and tightly adhere to the HTV silicone rubber surface by spray method after pre-mixing with permanent room temperature vulcanized (PRTV) silicone rubber during the first step spray. And the subsequent introduction of TiO2 and PTEF solid powder (PTFES) could improve the UV shielding ability and further increase the hydrophobicity of HTV silicone rubber during the second step spray after pre-blending. The accelerated hygrothermal aging process and UV aging process were used to analyze the effect of coating structure and composition on anti-aging performance. And the results indicated that the HTV silicone rubber with PRTV-PTFEL/TiO2-PTFES composite coating showed a favorable UV shielding ability and also possessed an excellent hydrophobicity due to the introduction of low surface energy matter and the building of coarse micro-nano hydrophobic structure. After the aging process, the cracked micro-surface, increased water absorption and decreased mechanical property were displayed for the neat HTV silicone rubber, and these aging phenomena got dramatically improved for PRTV-PTFEL/TiO2-PTFES coating HTV silicone rubber.

CFD simulation analysis of air curtain applications in vulcanization machines

Abstract This study simulates the vulcanization gas generated during the processing of the vulcanizing machine. During the simulation process, the influence of different angles and flow rates of the gas curtain on its flow field is simulated. Since the rubber has to go through the vulcanization process of the vulcanizer during the manufacturing process, the original liquid rubber is turned into a viscoelastic rubber solid. During the process, toxic and high-temperature vulcanization gas will be generated due to high-temperature hot pressing. If a large amount of this gas is inhaled, it will cause harm to the human body. Therefore, this study uses the CFD software Flow Vision to simulate the opening of the vulcanizing machine, and observes the flow field with different air curtains to find the most suitable air curtain wind speed and angle. Then, make a simple model for actual experiments, using CO2 instead of sulfide gas and installing a CO2 sensor at the nose of the mannequin, using the sensor to observe whether there is excessive CO2 diffused to the mannequin to judge the air curtain. Whether the gas is successfully prevented from spreading to the position where the personnel is located, to facilitate the observation of the gas diffusion, a smoke machine and a ray generator are added so that the gas diffusion status can be observed in real-time. In the end, finding the 9 m/s flow rate and a 90° air curtain angle positioned near the machine can greatly reduce the inhalation of excessive sulfide gas by machine operators and reduce the potential harm to the human body during work.

Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived SnS2/C/CNT as Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries with High Capacity and Stability

SnS2 is considered to be an ideal replacement material for graphite anodes, and has attracted much attention from scientific researchers due to its high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, the application of SnS2 is restricted by its low electrical conductivity and severe volume expansion during cycle. Herein, SnS2/C/CNT material is obtained by high temperature vulcanization and solvent heat treatment with Sn metal–organic framework (MOF) as precursor, while the carbon skeleton of the MOF is preserved. The carbon nanotubes(CNTs) are evenly distributed across the MOF‐derived C frameworks to create a carbon network that improves the electrical conductivity of SnS2 and inhibits its volume expansion. Therefore, the modified SnS2/C/CNT anode has still maintained a high discharge capacity of 954.2 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g−1 with a high capacity retention rate of 89.3%. It also exhibits excellent rate capability (739.8, 669.1, and 575.8 mAh g−1 for 0.5, 1, and 2 A g−1). In addition, the SnS2/C/CNT material also shows good electrochemical performance even without conductive additives.

ZnS/SnS2 Heterostructures Encapsulated in N-Doped Carbon Nanofibers for High-Performance Alkali Metal-Ion Batteries.

Heterogeneous composite ZnS/SnS2 is designed to meet various requirements for alkali metal-ion batteries. The composite is prepared using an electrostatic spinning method and encapsulated in N-doped carbon fibers after high-temperature vulcanization. The special structure of the composite provides a dependable interconnection and fast conductive network for alkali metal ions. The conductive carbon network shortens the diffusion path and greatly improves the migration efficiency of the alkali metal ions in the electrode. As expected, when the current density is 0.1 A g-1, the ZnS/SnS2@NCNFs maintain a high discharge capacity of more than 1437.5, 1321.2, and 861.6 mA h g-1 for lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and potassium-ion batteries, respectively. What is more, a full cell using a prelithiated composite anode and a LiFePO4 cathode is tested and shows excellent electrochemical performance. This work provides new perspectives for the development of novel anodes that can efficiently store alkali metal ions, as well as for the fine-structure design of materials.

Preparation of Cu2ZnSnS4@TiO2 nanotubes by pulsed electrodeposition for efficiently photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to ethanol

In this work, we reported a method of preparing Cu2ZnSnS4@TiO2 nanotubes (Cu2ZnSnS4/TiO2NTs) composite electrode by pulse electrodeposition and high-temperature vulcanization, which possesses high catalytic conversion efficiency for CO2 reduction and stable performance. In addition, the influence of pulse parameters on the morphology and photoelectrochemical properties of Cu2ZnSnS4/TiO2NTs composite electrode were studied in detail. The band gap of Cu2ZnSnS4/TiO2NTs is 1.39 eV, which is significantly reduced compared with TiO2NTs (3.27 eV). There are differences in the morphology, catalytic efficiency and product selectivity of the catalytic interface constructed by different pulse electrodeposition parameters. The photoresponse current of the composite electrode prepared by optimizing the parameters reaches −7 μA cm−2, and the ethanol yield is 7.0 μmol cm−2 after 5 h of photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2. No new phase was generated and the photocurrent density remained 33.2% of the original after the catalytic process, which indicated the Cu2ZnSnS4/TiO2NTs possess stable catalytic performance.

Heterogeneous interface-triggered electronic reconfiguration of cobalt-based sulfide electrocatalysts modified by coupling CeO2 for H2 production

It is pivotal but difficult to formulate bifunctional catalysts for electrochemical water splitting that are earth-abundant. Coupling CeO2 can not only improve the sluggish intrinsic OER activity of Co3S4 but also ameliorate the overall catalytic activity. Herein, vertically hierarchical amorphous Co3S4-CeO2 (Co3S4 and CeO2 were used as the main components, so it’s named Co3S4-CeO2) porous nanorods arrays were prepared via relatively facile anion intercalation enhanced electrodeposition on nickel foams (NFs) and following high-temperature vulcanization. Moreover, several characterization techniques, including XRD, were used to demonstrate that the Co3S4-CeO2 heterostructure was successfully synthesized. In both HER and OER, the Co3S4-CeO2 electrode showed remarkable electrochemical performance in alkaline solutions, only 120 mV overpotential and 280 mV drive are needed for the current densities of 10 mA•cm−2 in HER and 50 mA•cm−2 in OER, respectively. The Co3S4-CeO2 electrodes used as the anode and cathode in the double electrode alkaline electrolytic cell enable a value of 1.55 V at 10 mA•cm−2, also the electrolytic cell can sustain for at least 40 h without obvious attenuation. This work offers a straightforward technique for generating heterogeneous nanostructures as well as strong proof that CeO2 can be efficaciously coupled.

Mechanical Properties of High Temperature Vulcanized Silicone Rubber Aged in the Natural Environment.

Composite insulators operate in harsh field environments all year round. Their various properties and states of aging require attention. It is important to study the performance changes of composite insulator sheds after aging to evaluate the life of insulators operating on grids. For this reason, 22 composite insulator sheds from different factories, with different voltage levels and different ages years were selected to conduct mechanical properties testing. The mechanical properties include hardness, tensile strength, and elongation at break, and were investigated by thermogravimetric (TGA) testing, surface morphology, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characterization. The changes in mechanical properties of high temperature vulcanization (HTV) composite insulator silicone rubber aged in the natural environment were analyzed, including the reasons for these changes. The results showed that the transverse relaxation time T2 of the sample was closely related to its aging state. The more serious the silicone rubber’s aging, the smaller was the T2. The state of the composite insulator can be evaluated by using T2 and aging years simultaneously. With the actual degree of aging in the silicone rubber intensified, its tensile strength and elongation at break generally showed a downward trend.

Hierarchical FeS<sub>2</sub>@FeS<sub>2</sub>@N,S-C hollow nanocubes for lithium storage

<p indent="0mm">With the increasingly prominent problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution, the requirement for high-efficiency energy storage devices is becoming more urgent. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are commonly used in portable electronic devices, such as laptops, mobile phones. However, their limited performances cannot meet the demands of ultrahigh energy density and safety in the fields of new energy vehicles and energy storage systems. The development and application of novel anode materials can increase the capacity of LIBs. Transition metal sulfides (TMSs) with ultrahigh theoretical capacity and chemical stability present bright application prospects. Among them, iron sulfide (FeS_{<italic>x</italic>}) is regarded as one of the most promising anode materials due to its abundant reserves and environmental friendliness. However, the shortcomings of large volume expansion during cycling severely hinder the application of FeS_{<italic>x</italic>}<italic> </italic>and other TMSs. Designing TMS anode materials with special structures and combining them with carbon-based materials can effectively improve their electrochemical performance. Constructing nanosized TMSs with a hierarchical hollow structural property is a common strategy to increase their cycling stability. The abundant free volume inside the hollow structure can serve as a buffer space for TMSs with severe volume expansion, greatly reducing the structural fracture phenomenon. The internal free volume is also conducive to the electrolytic penetration into the composites. In addition, the dense nanosheets on the surface enable the active materials to fully contact the electrolyte, and subsequently, more reaction sites are generated for the electrochemical reactions. Combining amorphous carbon with TMSs can increase the dispersity of composites and reduce the presence of agglomerated structures. The amorphous carbon layer can serve as a stable interface for electrochemical reactions, which is beneficial for maintaining high coulombic efficiency and structure retention during cycling. The disordered structures and defects inside the amorphous carbon layer can accelerate the transport of the electrolyte and Li⁺ ions. Moreover, the amorphous carbon layers can also provide a structural support network and electronic conduction paths for TMSs, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of composites. Polydopamine (PDA) demonstrates special “viscosity,” which can coat almost any material’s surface under a weak alkaline condition. After carbonization, PDA is carbonized into an amorphous carbon layer with nitrogen doping, and the increased carbon interlayer spacing and defects can serve as additional active sites for lithium storage. In this study, the hierarchical FeS₂@FeS₂@N,S-C hollow nanocubes are successfully synthesized by a series of solvothermal, PDA <italic>in-situ</italic> polymerization, and high-temperature vulcanization processes. The inner hierarchical hollow FeS₂ is encapsulated in the heteroatom-doped carbon layer and in LIBs; the fabricated composites with a special structural property demonstrate improved electrode reaction kinetics. The results show that the discharge capacities of FeS₂@FeS₂@N,S-C are 505.6, 472.2, and 360 mAh/g at 0.2, 0.5, and <sc>2 A/g,</sc> respectively. Moreover, the reversible capacity of 492.1 mAh/g is maintained after 500 cycles at <sc>1 A/g,</sc> and the structure remains intact after cycling. The excellent electrochemical performance of FeS₂@FeS₂@N,S-C can be attributed to the heteroatom-doped carbon layer coating the hierarchical hollow structure and the synergistic effect of multiple components.

Comparative Evaluation of Color Stability of Maxillofacial Silicones Following Accelerated Aging Conditions

Objectives: This study evaluated &amp; compared the effect of both outdoor weathering and accelerated aging conditions on the color stability of two different maxillofacial silicone elastomers. Methods: 72 samples of two different silicones were made and divided into groups of conditioning; Dark storage, accelerated aging and outdoor weathering. Color measurements were recorded by Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage–CIE L*a*b* color system before and after conditioning using spectrophotometer. The data was analyzed by one way ANOVA for multiple Group comparisons, followed by Post hoc Scheffe’s Multiple comparison test for Group wise calculation at the 0.05 significance level. Results: All groups exhibited variation in color over time. The color change (∆E) of the pigmented specimens of all tested High Temperature Vulcanization—HTV &amp; Room Temperature Vulcanization—RTV silicone elastomers were greater than the acceptable value (∆E &gt;3.0). Within non pigmented HTV specimens, none of the tested silicone elastomers showed significant color changes. Within non pigmented RTV specimens, all of the tested silicone elastomers showed significant color changes ( P &lt; .05). The HTV M511 elastomer showed better color stability compared with the RTV A-2186 material. Furthermore, accelerated aging condition was more detrimental and showed significant deterioration of the color properties of both HTV &amp; RTV specimens. Significance: The results of this research will help in providing patients with maxillofacial defects in India, a prosthetic appliance that restores pleasant facial appearance with good esthetics. This will reduce trauma from head &amp; neck cancer surgery &amp; will help people lead a normal life in society.

Scalable Preparation and Improved Discharge Properties of FeS2@CoS2 Cathode Materials for High-Temperature Thermal Battery.

Long-time thermal batteries with high specific energy are crucial for improving the fast response ability of long-range weapons. Due to its high capacity, safety, and stability, the new sulfide cathode has attracted extensive attention. In this study, an FeS2@CoS2 composite cathode with a core–shell structure was prepared via a combination of hydrothermal and high-temperature vulcanization processes. The novel FeS2@CoS2 cathode not only delivers a high discharge voltage and output capacity, but also has high thermal stability and excellent conductivity. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of FeS2 and CoS2, the as-synthesized cathode yields a high specific capacity. At a large current density of 1 A/cm2, the utilization rate of FeS2@CoS2 cathode material can reach 72.33%, which is 8.23% higher than that of FeS2. Moreover, the maximum output capacity is up to 902 As/g, with a utilization rate of 79.02% at 500 mA/cm2. This novel design strategy holds great promise for the development and application of high-performance thermal batteries in the future.

The controllable porous structure and s-doping of hollow carbon sphere synergistically act on the microwave attenuation

Currently, the development of high-efficiency electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials has received close attention. Due to unique composition and structure, porous hollow carbon spheres (PHCSs) have been extensively studied in the EMW absorption field. In order to obtain the regulated EMW absorber, in the present study, sulfur was successfully doped into the PHCS by hydrogen peroxide etching and high temperature vulcanization. By fixing the amount of sulfur doped and the etching time, the micro-structure of the product could be effectively controlled, and the corresponding electromagnetic parameters would also change accordingly. The optimized sulfur-doped porous hollow carbon sphere (SPCHS) had the minimum reflection loss (RL) value of −27.2 dB, and the effective bandwidth of 4.76 GHz. More importantly, the best effective bandwidth (EAB, RL < −10 dB) could reach 6.72 GHz (11.28–18 GHz) at the thickness of 2.25 mm. It should be pointed out that the sample filling ratio was only 5 wt% in the paraffin matrix. In addition, when the incidence θ reached −60°, the maximum reduction of radar cross section (RCS) was −21.9 dB m2. The convenient and efficient RCS simulation provided reliable support for the practical application of SPHCS materials in the field of EMW absorption.

N-doped three-dimensional needle-like CoS2 bridge connection Co3O4 core–shell structure as high-efficiency room temperature NO2 gas sensor

The N-doped three-dimensional (3D) needle bridge connection core-shell structure N-CoS2@Co3O4 synthesized in this work was prepared by simple hydrothermal and high-temperature vulcanization methods. The optimized N-CoS2@Co3O4-2 composite response to NO2 is 62.3–100 ppm, a response time of 1.3 s, the recovery time of 17.98 s, the detection limit of 5 ppb and stability of as long as 10 weeks at room temperature (RT). Its excellent NO2 sensing performance is attributed to the unique porous and bridge connection core-shell structure of the N-CoS2@Co3O4-2 with high specific surface area, interconnected internal channels, abundant exposed S edge active sites, and high catalytic performance promoted by N-doping. This simple manufacturing method of high-performance sensing materials paves the way for the design of N-doped bridge connection core–shell structures.

Preparation of WS2/C composite material and its electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance

With H2WO4 and EDA as precursors, WO3/C intermediate is obtained by mechanical stirring and in-situ solid-phase pyrolysis, then WS2/C composite material is obtained by high temperature vulcanization. The WS2/C composite is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and other instrumental analysis methods. At the same time, the electrocatalytic performance of the catalyst was analyzed by the electrocatalytic steady-state polarization curve (LSV), Tafel slope (Tafel), cycle stability (CP), electrochemical impedance (PEIS) and Electrochemically Active Surface Area (ECSA) tests of the material. The results showed that when the current density of the WS2/C composite is 10 mA/cm2, overpotential is 179 mV, and Tafel slope is 98 mV/dec.

A novel SnS2 nanomaterial based on nitrogen-doped cubic-like carbon skeleton with excellent lithium storage

SnS2 has been identified as an up-and-coming anode candidate for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with its high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, the material's rate performance and stability properties during actual cycling are still constrained by the striking volume expansion and weak ions dynamics. Thus, we upgrade a novel nitrogen-doped strategy based on MOFs materials to solve the above problem. The nitrogen source is successfully introduced under vacuum conditions by using different N-containing organic ligands to replace the position of the solvent sites on the MOF clusters. Finally, the material was obtained by high-temperature vulcanization under vacuum conditions, which retained the like-hexahedral carbon skeleton of the precursor to suppress volume expansion effectively. The introduction of nitrogen not only enhances the mechanical capability of the carbon skeleton but also enhances the electrical conductivity of the material. The SnS2/C-NB composites exhibit excellent cycle stability (maintains 1080.1 mAh g−1 for 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1, which stays at 84.1%; maintains 660.2 mAh g−1 for 200 cycles at 1000 mA g−1, which stays at 82.5%) with the synergistic protection of nitrogen-doped/carbon-coated and shorter ions/electrons transfer channels. The present work provides a new idea for the preparation of nitrogen-doped materials to enhance the cycling stability and rate performance of LIBs.

An evaluation of a technique to improve the mechanical properties of maxillofacial silicone elastomers with zinc oxide nanoparticles

Statement of problemSilicone elastomer is the most used material for fabricating maxillofacial prostheses, but the material has low tensile and tear strength and insufficient elasticity. Whether the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles will improve these properties is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of adding different concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the clinically critical mechanical properties of a maxillofacial silicone. Material and methodsNano-ZnO was added in concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5% by weight to Cosmesil M511 High Temperature Vulcanization (HTV) silicone elastomer. Silicone without nano-ZnO or ethanol served as a conventional group, while silicone without nano-ZnO and with ethanol served as the control group. Tensile strength and elongation tests were done according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 37. A tear strength test was done according to ISO 34-1. A Shore A hardness test was done according to ISO 7619. In total 144 specimens were fabricated, with 48 specimens for each test. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) tests were used to assess the efficiency of the dispersion method, monitoring the particle size of nano-ZnO. Statistical analysis used 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test (α=.05). ResultsFESEM showed a homogenous dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles within the silicone matrix. XRD and FESEM showed a reduction in cluster size of nano-ZnO after sonication. The FTIR-ATR test revealed no significant difference between the conventional and the control group (P>.05). The 3%ZnO demonstrated significantly higher tensile strength, elongation percentage, and tear strength than the control group (P<.05). Shore A hardness showed a significant decrease between the conventional and control group. Hardness increased directly and proportionally to an increase in the concentration of nanofiller. ConclusionsSonication of nano-ZnO in ethanol represented an effective and straightforward way to disperse nano-ZnO in a silicone elastomer matrix. This improved the quality of the nanocomposite without affecting the base material and without the need for a coupling agent or addition of a third material. The overall mechanical properties of the M511 maxillofacial silicone elastomer improved most with a 3%ZnO concentration.

Fatigue life prediction of magneto-rheological elastomers in magnetic field

Fatigue life is one of the most important characteristics of materials. Predicting fatigue life in magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) under combined and repetitive loads is an unavoidable step to increase the safety coefficient of MREs. In this study, high-temperature vulcanization silicon rubber (HTVSR) based MREs were fabricated by incorporating the different soft carbonyl iron particles (CIP) that samples with 10%, 20%, and 30% of CIP volume were made. Fatigue behavior of MRE under the combination of compression-tension and torsion loading in the presence and absence of magnetic fields was studied by using the multiaxial fatigue testing machine. The relationship between maximum energy density function (W max) and fatigue life (N) was achieved that it can predict fatigue life in MREs. The results showed that the dissipation energy was smaller in the presence of a magnetic field at the same CIP volume percentage and increased as the CIP volume percentages grew, because the agglomeration in the samples became more. And also with a magnetic field, at the same CIP volume percentages, the strength of the MRE increased that led to the fatigue life of MRE increasing.

Monolithic homogeneous integrated miniaturized triboelectric nanogenerator with an inner air cavity for energy harvesting

To realize the high-efficiency acquisition of environmental mechanical energy, traditional triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) based on contact-separation consist of two separate triboelectric layers. Their large contact-separation gap increases the overall volume of the device, making it difficult to realize miniaturization and flexibility. This work, therefore, presents a fully enclosed all-in-one-shaped flexible TENG (FEAST) with an air cavity using rubber mixing and high-temperature vulcanization. The air pressure inside the enclosed air cavity facilitates effective contact-separation of the FEAST. The homogeneous integration between the triboelectric layer and the electrode layer enhances structural firmness without using extra spacer materials. The developed FEAST presents excellent mechanical durability even after 10000 cycles. By increasing the active contact area between the triboelectric materials, a maximum peak-peak output voltage, current, and power density of 130 V, 1.1 µA, and 277 mW/m2, respectively, were obtained with an effective stress area of 1 cm2. Moreover, the fully enclosed structure ensures that the output performance is not affected by the external environment. The FEAST was fixed onto the sole of a shoe to demonstrate its applicability in harvesting mechanical energy from human motions. Overall, the developed method provides a simple approach for optimizing the structure of TENGs and is compatible with large-scale manufacturing.

Experimental study on mechanical properties of casting high-capacity polyurethane elastomeric bearings

The laminated elastomeric bearings are widely used structure isolation devices. However, the production and economic efficiency of current rubber bearings are limited by the long-time high-temperature vulcanization process. This study proposes the use of casting polyurethane elastomer (CPUE) substituting rubber in manufacturing laminated elastomeric bearings whilst considering the formula of conventional and improved shear performance formula. Mechanical properties, such as uniaxial tension, hysteretic shear and anti-peel strength, between the conventional and improved materials were compared, and the findings indicate that the use of block technology by introducing hydroxyl-terminated small molecular alcohol can improve the ultimate deformation and anti-peel ability. Moreover, 2 scale-reduced and 24 full-scale new bearings were employed to investigate their vertical compression and horizontal–lateral deformation ability considering different formulas and shape factors. Test results show that the CPUE bearings equipped large vertical bearing, favourable horizontal deformation and excellent energy dissipation capacity. The comparison between the two types of formulas suggest that the new formula can successfully increase the ultimate deformation and centralised failure mode at the expense of acceptable compression modulus decrease.

Effect of expandable Graphite/Hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene beads on the flame retardancy of silicone rubber foam

Silicone rubber foam (SiF) with EG/HPCTP was prepared by high-temperature vulcanization. The flame retardancy of SiF was evaluated using the LOI (limiting oxygen index), UL-94, cone calorimetry test (CCT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical properties. The results showed that EG/HPCTP could improve the LOI of SiF, and the SiF could pass the UL-94 V-0 rating. Compared with pristine SiF, EG/HPCTP could reduce the total heat release rate (THR), heat release rate (PHRR). Digital images of the char residues showed that the HPCTP was beneficial to promote the strength of SiF with EG. TGA showed that the branched decomposition temperature and main chain pyrolysis temperature of SiF were delayed. Mechanical properties analysis showed that EG and HPCTP could improve the mechanical properties of SiF. These indicated that the addition of EG/HPCTP was a good approach to prepare high effective flame-retarding SiF.