Pipes and Fittings Seal Washers

Increase in strength from 6.8 MPa to 10.8 MPa due to addition of silica nanoparticles Reduction in weight loss from 20.36% to 10.36% in wear test due to the addition of silica nanoparticles Reduced elongation from 548% to 438% due to the addition of silica nanoparticles Containing silica nanoparticles with sizes below 100 nm

This product is rubber-silica nanocomposite which is used for manufacturing sealing washers and pipe fittings. Rubber is one of the most important commercial polymers. The polymer chains in rubber are long and flexible with a coiled and kinked nature. Under stress the molecular chain uncoils and an aligned structure results. This characteristic causes material stretch, large free volume fraction, and amorphous and non-orientated state, which result in unique properties, such as low hardness, high elasticity and high elongation at break. The basic properties of rubber are not ideal for industrial applications and can be improved by adding fillers. The improved mechanical properties depend on good interface between matrix and filler because the applied load is mostly transferred through the filler via interface. In this product, addition of silica nanoparticles improves wear and tensile properties of nanocomposite. 
 The addition of nanoparticles to elastomer matrix creates many connection points in the particle-matrix interface. Enhancement of the nanocomposite properties is due to the high proportion of the active surface of nano fillers. This affects the viscoelastic character by an increase in viscosity, limitation of chain mobility and improvement in mechanical properties.