Preparation of room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber foam/SiO2nanocomposite and its fatigue buffering performance

A series of silicone rubber foam (SF)/silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanocomposites were prepared by room temperature vulcanization. The effects of SiO(2)content on the crosslinking density, cell structure, physical and mechanical properties, thermal properties, dynamic thermomechanical properties of SF/SiO(2)nanocomposites were studied. The results indicated that SF/SiO(2)6 nanocomposite with 6.0 wt% SiO(2)content had the optimal comprehensive performance. The cushioning properties of SF/SiO(2)6 nanocomposites were investigated by the static compression test. The cushioning coefficient of SF/SiO(2)6 nanocomposite was very close to expanded polyethylene (EPE). Moreover, the fatigue properties of SF/SiO(2)6 nanocomposites were investigated by the dynamic compressive fatigue test. SF/SiO(2)6 nanocomposite exhibited long fatigue life (6.0 million times) and high height retention rate (99.0%), which was far greater than those of EPE (0.29 million times, 54.5%). The cushioning coefficient of SF/SiO(2)6 nanocomposite was almost no changed before and after fatigue test, which was obviously superior to traditional cushioning material EPE. Such SF/SiO(2)nanocomposite with excellent fatigue buffering properties could be used as a cushioning material in the packaging field.