Effect of Fluorosilicone Rubber on Mechanical Properties, Dielectric Breakdown Strength and Hydrophobicity of Methyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber

Abstract

Silicone rubber (SIR) is used in high-voltage insulators because of its insulation, and excellent hydrophobicity is very important in harsh outdoor environments. To enhance the hydrophobicity and low-temperature resistance of silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber and fluorosilicone rubber (FSIR) blend composites with different ratios were prepared. The samples were characterized and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis and static contact angle testing. The results showed that after blending, SIR and FSIR were well compatible. FSIR had higher elastic modulus and reduced the tensile strength to some extent in SIR/FSIR composites. The addition of a small amount of FSIR made its crystallization temperature decrease from −30 to −45 °C, meaning that the low-temperature resistance was significantly improved. The breakdown strength of SIR/FSIR composites can still be maintained at a high level when a small amount of FSIR is added. The contact angle of the composites increased from 108.9 to 115.8° with the increase in FSIR content, indicating the enhanced hydrophobicity. When the samples were immersed in water for 96 h, the hydrophobicity migration phenomenon occurred. The static contact angle of the samples with less FSIR content had a weaker decreasing trend, which illustrated that the hydrophobicity was maintained at a high level.