Elastomeric nanocomposite based on SR/ IIR/ Silica Nanoparticles(SiNP): Design, preparation and characterization

In the present study, nanocomposites of silicone rubber (SR), butyl rubber (IIR), and silica nanoparticles (SiNP) with different nanoparticle contents were prepared and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Four samples containing the different percentages of nanosilica(0,1,2,5) in silicone/butyl compound(70/30) were prepared. Tensile, tear, hardness, abrasion, and resilience analyses were employed to evaluate the effect of nanosilica content on physical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. According to the experimental findings, the curing time increased in composition with 1 phr and decreased in compositions with 2 and 5 phr of nanosilica. The maximum tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break were obtained in nanocomposite with 1 phr of nanosilica and the mechanical properties were decreased at higher nanosilica loading. The hardness of nanocomposites was gradually increased with the increase of nanosilica loading and the highest value of hardness was obtained for composition with 5 phr of nanosilica.