Mechanical reinforcement of room-temperature-vulcanized silicone rubber using modified cellulose nanocrystals as cross-linker and nanofiller. (1st February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Xinxin; Li, Zhaoshuang; Jiang, Zhaoyu; Wang, Siheng; Liu, He; Xu, Xu; Wang, Dan; Miao, Yingchun; Shang, Shibin; Song, Zhanqian
• Is Part Of: Carbohydrate polymers. Volume 229(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-01
• Subjects: Cellulose nanocrystals -- Nanocomposites -- Mechanical properties -- Optical performance; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 547.78
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115509
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-8617

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were modified by 3-isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilane. Modified-CNCs (ICNCs) was used as cross-linker and nanofiller. The morphologies of RTVSR/ICNCs indicates the well dispersion of ICNCs. The mechanical properties of RTV silicone rubber were evidently improved. The RTVSR/ICNCs exhibits high haze and transparency. Abstract: Despite the excellent properties of room-temperature-vulcanized silicone rubber (RTVSR), such as good temperature resistance, low toxicity, and low cost, its industrial application is limited owing to its poor mechanical properties. Herein, we employed cellulose nanocrystals modified by acid hydrolysis and reaction with 3-isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilane (ICNCs) as the cross-linking agent to reinforce RTVSR. Structural analyses of ICNCs confirmed the chemical modification of the cellulose nanocrystal surface and preservation of the crystalline structure. The ICNCs improved the thermostability of RTVSR and also acted as a nanoscale filler in the RTVSR/ICNCs nanocomposite. The thermostability and mechanical properties of RTVSR/ICNCs expectedly improved with increased ICNC content. Moreover, compared with unmodified silicone rubber, RTVSR/ICNCs nanocomposites exhibited high haze and high transparency. Our work indicates that ICNCs are well dispersed in the RTVSR matrix and effectively improve its properties.