Study the effect of fumed silica on the mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of silicone rubber nanocomposites

This study explored the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of silicone rubber (QM) / Fumed silica (FSiO2) nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of silicone rubber were increased by optimizing the silica content of the composite. The effects of applied load, temperature, and sliding speed on the tribological behavior of the samples were evaluated. The addition of FSiO2 significantly reduced the friction coefficient of the composite. Surface wear analysis of the nanocomposite revealed that the nanoparticles have a positive rolling effect. The strengthening properties of the compound improve significantly as the diffusion of FSiO2 increases, resulting in a more significant improvement in the tensile and dynamic material properties and a substantial reduction in the friction coefficient (25 percent) and specific wear rate (Ws). The silica-filled surface of the rubber is relatively smooth, with few grooves and ridges, and the reinforcing fillers seem to have anti-wear properties.