Effects of steam sterilization and gamma irradiation on halogenated butyl rubber compounds
by Kevin Kulbaba, Dana Adkinson, Greg Davidson and Sarah Elliott, Arlanxeo Butyl rubber (IIR) is formed from the cationically initiated
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June
Surface modification of aluminum trihydroxide to enhance arc and acid resistance of silicone compounds
High temperature vulcanization (HTV) silicone rubber is the polymer of choice with regard to housing material for high voltage applications. The requirements are challenging due to harsh environmental conditions like UV irradiation, humidity, industrial pollution, etc. The tracking and erosion performance of the compound needs to be evaluated to ensure the long term performance of the high voltage insulator. Another key aspect to increase the durability of the insulator is the resistance against nitric acid, as this is formed by a combination of unavoidable corona discharges in overhead power lines and atmospheric humidity.
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Evaluation of crosslinking coagents in HCR silicone
CR silicone՚s unique properties allow it to be used in many niche ways. These unique properties include temperature stability, weatherability, compatibility and processing ease. Silicone has a very low starting durometer in its raw state. High levels of reinforcing filler are typically needed to obtain high durometer specifications. Additionally, physical properties of silicone are generally lower than most other elastomers. This can often cause difficulties in meeting tear, modulus, compression set or dynamic property application requirements. Application segments for silicone include automotive, wire and cable, architectural,
aerospace, consumer products and medical devices.
Design and process parameter definitions
ond interview (published in the April 2022 issue of Rubber World) detailed the development and characterization of polymers for polymeric development through computer modeling. This third interview discusses parameters needed to guide product development. Future interviews will discuss polymer product design, analysis and optimization using finite element analysis, and product manufacturing establishment, simulation and fine tuning in molding, extrusion and thermoforming of thermoplastics and thermosets, rubber and plastics
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Patents for June
Patent as compiled by the editors of Rubber World for the June issue
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HeatBoss EPDM: High heat resistant EPDM promising for SAE J200 applications
In modern cars, the space for the engine compartment is continuously shrinking for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Increasing vehicle compactness by reducing the space available for design engineers results in hotter engine components which restrict the rubber materials that can be used. This has boosted a fast growing demand in the rubber industry for elastomer parts with durability and increased resistance to temperature extremes. Among elastomers, silicone elastomers and fluoroelastomers show very effective heat resistance resulting from the strong Si-O and C-F bonds present in their chemical structure. However, the main drawbacks are their high price and high processing cost that make compounding, molding and final production very expensive
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Seals prevent bearing damage in EVs
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ new generation electrically conductive seals prevent bearing damage caused by electrically induced corrosion, and also increase electromagnetic compatibility. Electric cars with drive systems that operate at 800 volts instead of the usual 400 can recharge in just 15 minutes, and produce enough power to drive several hundred kilometers. The power semiconductors in the inverter ensure that the direct current stored in the battery is converted into the alternating current required by the electric motor while driving. These power electronics are often positioned directly above the electric motor, and are also known as electric engine injection systems.
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Part design simulations for silicone rubber components
The successful design of medical device components is increasingly dependent on simulations based on finite element analysis (FEA). Simulations provide a rapid and cost-effective way to determine optimal construction of multi-component systems, as well as information on how components interact with each other during use. Investing in accurate, early design simulations can provide significant resource savings by decreasing the amount of iterative loops necessary in the prototype process to validate the overall device design for FDA or other governing body approvals.
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Patents for June
Patents as compiled for the rubber industry June 2021.
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