Construction of topological entanglement at the interface between silicone rubber and nano-silica to achieve excellent crack extension resistance
Linru Jiang, Jingchao Li, Weizhen Zhang, Yonglai Lu, Liqun Zhang
Vol. 17., No.5., Pages 512-526, 2023
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2023.38
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2023.38
Corresponding author: Yonglai Lu 
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
The poor tear resistance of silicone rubber dramatically limits its application range. In this study, a topological entanglement structure of molecular chains was constructed at the interface between the matrix and silica by introducing epoxidized silicone rubber into silicone rubber/silica composites. We found that this topologically entangled structure could improve the crack propagation resistance of the composites by inducing the orientation of molecular chains. The results showed that adding 5 phr of 15% epoxy silicone rubber raised the silicone rubber composite’s tear strength and elongation at break, they increased by 330% and 140, respectively. This work provides a new idea for preparing silicone rubber composites with high tear resistance to better expand the application field of silicone rubber.
