Exploration Of LPBd In HCR silicone
Erick Sharp, Ace Products & Consulting
Silicone has always been a superior polymer for heat stability. Its ability to withstand higher temperatures than any other polymer has prompted its growth in high heat applications, such as automotive. Many high temperature applications are also exposed to chemicals. Many VMQ silicones alone cannot meet the chemical resistance specification on these applications. Therefore, specialty fluoropolymers are used in these applications where high temperature and chemical resistance are needed. Due to the high cost of these fluoropolymers, the industry has been searching for ways to modify silicone to improve chemical resistivity or nitrile to improve heat stability. The alloying of polymer types is one method being evaluated. This study is an initial look into the concept of alloying VMQ silicone with liquid polybutadiene.
Previous research has indicated the potential of using liquid polybutadiene as a copolymer for HCR silicone to obtain premium heat resistance and improved chemical resistance without requiring a fluoropolymer. Previous research has also indicated the potential to improve crosslink density by allowing these two polymers with a vinyl specific cure system.