Investigation of the Relationship Between Microstructure and Thermal, Mechanical Properties and Diffusivity of Silicone Rubber/Clay Nanocomposites

Eshghi Nejad, Erfan; Moini Jazani, Omid; Sohrabian, Majid; Karami, MohammadHossein

doi:10.22034/ijche.2025.504978.1502

Investigation of the Relationship Between Microstructure and Thermal, Mechanical Properties and Diffusivity of Silicone Rubber/Clay Nanocomposites

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Erfan Eshghi nejad ¹

Omid Moini Jazani ¹

Majid Sohrabian ²

MohammadHossein Karami ¹

¹ Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Isfahan, P.O. Box 81746-73441, Isfahan, Iran

² Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/ijche.2025.504978.1502

Abstract

The use of composites in various industries had significantly increased in recent decades. In composite structures subjected to thermal and mechanical loads, microcracks could lead to leakage and failure. To prevent this issue, sealing the structures with coating sealants and polymeric and elastomeric films was essential. These materials were resistant to gas permeation and thermal shocks. In this research, the properties of silicone nanocomposites were improved by adding nanoclay (Cloisite 5) and modifying its surface using APTES (silane agent). The results of TGA, XRD, and FTIR tests indicated the bonding of aminosilane groups with hydroxyl groups in Cloisite, with a bonding percentage of 3.66%. Additionally, the morphological analysis of the nanocomposites showed that the presence of modified nanoclays led to improved dispersion and enhanced mechanical properties. Thermal degradation tests revealed that the modified nanoparticles could increase thermal stability. Furthermore, the surface modification of nanoclays contributed to better rubber curing and reduced permeability in silicone nanocomposites. The results of the time-sweep test indicated that the surface modification of nanoclays further improved the curing of this rubber. Overall, this research demonstrated the positive impact of modified nanoclays on the thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites, which could enhance their performance in industrial applications.

Keywords

Silicone Rubber

Surface Modification

Nanoclay

Nanocomposite

Permeability

Thermal stability

Subjects