Determination of optimum processconditions for the preparation of spongesilicone rubber

The sponge silicone elastomer has numerous advantages such as excellent resistance to heat, cold and weather. Additionally it has good electrical properties, shock absorption, and resilient elasticity (T. Metivier, 2018) [1]. Considering these advantageous properties, sponge silicone elastomer is widely used in many industries for special application areas such as impermeability seals, suspension seals, heat transfer blocking material and etc. Most of the sectors are lighting, combi boilers, white good appliances, heaters, ovens, transportation [2] etc. In this study we have tried to simulate sponge silicone processes by Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA). For the preparation of sponge silicone elastomer formula we have used SPG 955 D/SM sponge silicone base material from Elkem Silicones. We prepare 16 different formula by using sponge silicone rubber at two differen catalsyt system by using quartz as a filler, heat stabilizier, carbon black as a black pigment. In process studies we use Colmec brand hot air vulcanization extrusion line with 2 ovens and each oven lines are 6 meters. And at meanwhile with data logger record device and J type thermocouple, we measured the heat flow during the process has been running. Recorded heat flow profile implemented to TA-Elite brand Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA) for the simulation process conditions and cure kinetics. For the determination of crosslink density of elastomers the frequency sweeps of uncured and cured samples were performed and cure curves and rheological behaviors of various silicone sponge elastomer formulated with different additives, fillers and catalyst types. End of the all these studies we have try to identify the effect of temperature profile on the cure characteristics of silicone elastomers.