Study on the thermal stability of TPU modified by MQ Resin-Filled Silicone Rubber

Procuring silicone rubber composite with different content of vinyl MQ silicone resin was prepared and its thermal stability was evaluated. A total of 50 wt% MQ resin containing 5 wt% vinyl MQ exhibited optimal thermal stability and was consequently chosen. This silicone rubber composite was blended with TPU at high temperature using an internal mixer to produce a modified TPU. The TPU modified by silicone rubber was firstly investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The FTIR results indicated that negligible chemical reactions occurred between TPU and silicone rubber during the mixing process. Furthermore, the TGA results demonstrated that the silicone rubber composite positively influenced the thermal stability of TPU. Additionally, the modified TPU displayed satisfactory thermal stability even after aging. Moreover, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results indicated that uniform dispersion of silicone rubber was facilitated by the banburying method. The tensile strength of modified TPU initially increased and then decreased when the content of silicone rubber reached 3 wt%. On the other hand, the elongation at break of modified TPU demonstrated continuous improvement. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the modified TPU were still acceptable after aging.