The Effect of Fireproofing Additives on the Properties of Siloxane Rubbers

• Published in: International polymer science and technology Vol. 36; no. 6; pp. 1 - 4
• Main Authors: Mikhailova, G.A., Baburina, V.A., Kalmykova, V.Ya, Deberdeev, R.Ya, Kutyrev, G.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shropshire Sage Publications Ltd 01.06.2009
• Subjects: Chemical compounds; Polymers; Rubber; Studies; Temperature effects
• ISSN: 0307-174X; 1478-2405
• DOI: 10.1177/0307174X0903600601

As well as their technically valuable and unique properties, siloxane elastomers have the considerable shortcoming of flammability. The burning of siloxane rubbers produces a mineral residue consisting chiefly of silicon dioxide, which enables articles manufactured from these materials to be used for a limited time under conditions of exposure to a flame. The most widely used and effective way to lower the flammability of polymer composites is to use different compounds with the ability to slow down or suppress the combustion process--chlorine and bromine. These compounds are practically universal additives for lowering the flammability of rubber compounds, but, because of intense smoking and the formation of toxic and corrosive products during the burning of such materials, their use is becoming increasingly limited. Here, Mikhailova et al examine the properties of rubber mixes and compounds based on SKTB siloxane rubber with the use of powder combustion inhibitors (fireproofing agents) not containing a halogen: aluminum hydroxide, zinc borate, antimony trioxide, magnesium hydroxide, ammonium polyphosphate, and melamine cyanurate.