Thermal Properties of the Aluminum Particle Reinforced Silicone Rubber Composites

Abstract

Micro-sized aluminum (Al) reinforced silicone rubber composites were prepared, and the thermal properties of the composites were investigated in term of composition, shape, and surface modification of Al particles. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of Al particles into the composites improved the peak vulcanization temperature, and decreased the thermal stability behavior of the rubber; furthermore, the shape, concentration, surface treatment of Al particles and temperature had an effect on the thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity increased obviously with a rise of Al particles concentration, as well as with a surface modification of filler. The flaky Al particles reinforced rubber showed a distinct higher thermal conductivity as compared to the spherical Al particles.