Compatibilization of Fluororubber/ Silicone Rubber Blends by the Incorporation of 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl Methacrylate Grafted Silicone Rubber

Abstract

The blends of fluororubber (FKM) and silicone rubber (MVQ) were prepared by the incorporation of fumed silica at different contents using 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate grafted silicone rubber (MVQ-g-TFEMA) as a compatibilizer. The effect of the compatibilizer content on the curing characteristics, crosslink density, mechanical properties, heat aging properties, oil resistance, and low temperature properties were investigated. The effect of fumed silica content on the mechanical properties of FKM/MVQ blends in the presence of MVQ-g-TFEMA was also studied. The dynamic mechanical analysis indicates that MVQ-g-TFEMA acts as a compatibilizer in the FKM/MVQ blends. The mechanical properties and oil resistance of FKM/MVQ blends increase with the increasing of MVQ-g-TFEMA content up to 6 phr and the heat aging properties increase with the addition of the compatibilizer. Rubber—filler interactions in the blends increase with the increasing of the compatibilizer content. Rubber—filler interaction studies show that the presence of MVQ-g-TFEMA enhances the interfacial interaction of fumed silica and rubber matrix. The tear strength and hardness increase by the incorporation of fumed silica, and the tensile strength and elongation at break increase with the addition of the fumed silica up to 30 phr in the presence of 6 phr MVQ-g-TFEMA.