Silicon-Basing Ceramizable Composites Containing Long Fibers

Zbigniew Pędzich, Magdalena Ziąbka, Rafał Anyszka, Dariusz M. Bieliński

Department of Ceramics and Refractory Materials, AGH-University of Science & Technology, Krakow, Poland.
Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland.

DOI: 10.4236/msce.2013.15009                

Abstract

Ceramization is a phenomenon which assures compactness of polymer-based composites in the case of their thermal degradation caused by open fire or exposure at high temperatures. This phenomenon is based on preventing volatiles of thermal decomposition of silicone rubber from evacuation by creation of ceramic layer. This ceramized structure is composed of mineral filer particles, connected by fluxing agent—glassy phase. The ceramic barrier created during firing is aimed to protect copper wire inside the cable from melting, being additionally strong enough to maintain integrity of electrical circuit. The paper presents experimental data on mechanical properties of silicone rubber composites strengthened additionally with long fibers of different types—aluminosilicate and polyamide (Kevlar) ones. Fibers were introduced into composites in oriented way. Mechanical properties were investigated taking into account fiber orientation anisotropy. Ceramization process of composites was described by observation of morphology and strengthen measurements of samples fired at 1000°C.

Keywords

Silicone Rubber; Ceramization; Composites; Polyamide Fibers; Aluminosilicate Fibers

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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