INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF MODIFIERS ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF INJECTION MOLDED LIQUID SILICONE RUBBERS
Open Access
Author:
Schmader, Justin Paul
Area of Honors:
Plastics Engineering Technology (Behrend)
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Gary F. Smith, Thesis Supervisor John Philip Beaumont, Thesis Honors Advisor Gary F. Smith, Thesis Supervisor Brian Young, Faculty Reader John Philip Beaumont, Thesis Supervisor
The affects on physical properties of blending different levels by weight of talc, silica, and glass fibers into liquid silicone rubber (LSR) systems was investigated. Specifically, tensile strength, ultimate elongation, hardness, compression set, and specific gravity were measured on unmodified resins as well as successive levels of modified resins. Filler dispersion was also examined in an effort to correlate mixing, molding, and testing procedures with the results that were obtained. Two generations of materials were produced in the course of the experiment, with the second being a direct improvement upon the first in the areas of mixing, molding, and testing. It was shown that all the tested modifiers had sometimes drastic affects on the physical properties of the LSRs, while displaying both reinforcing and extending and cost saving effects. Better filler dispersion was obtained in the second generation of materials, as well as more consistent mechanical property data. Overall, it can be said that the chosen modifiers had definite effects on every physical property of the LSR systems, and the results obtained have interesting cost vs. property implications in the expansive market of LSRs.
