Mechanism study and performance analysis of self-healing room temperature silicone rubber

Abstract

Polymer matrix composites are susceptible to multi-field compounding during processing and service, resulting in micro-damage that is difficult to discern with eyes, causing a reduction in the mechanical strength and dielectric properties of polymer composites. Therefore it is essential to prepare polymer-based composites with self-healing properties. To address the above problems, the room temperature vulcanised silicone rubber with the self-healing function is prepared using disulphide-bonded silanes as Room temperature vulcanised silicone rubber (RTV) crosslinkers. The self-healing principle of the coating was analyzed. The Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), self-healing performance and Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) of the self-healing coating containing 7.5 wt% disulphide-bonded silanes crosslinking agent were also tested. The results show that the coatings have self-healing properties and heat resistance. The FTIR indicates the presence of S-S bond in the silicone rubber. At 7.5 wt% disulphide-bonded silanes crosslinker, the coating can repair wounds with a depth of 1, 4, 7mm and the coating has a thermal decomposition temperature of 180 °C.