Elastomer Networks Blends: Mechanical and Dynamic Mechanical Characterization of Modified Silicone rubber networks

Silicone rubber vulcanisate was separately subjected to specified hydrotherm al treatments as well as to accelerated air ageing. The initial elastic modulus was adapted for measurment of the extent of chain degradation for the specimens treated hydrothermally. The air aged vulcanisate specimens were continuously evaluated during ageing by use of a dynamic viscoelastometer under appropriate mild strain conditions. The results were further translated into kinetic parameters for the degradation reaction. A prominent thermo oxidative crosslinking reaction was indicated to be assosiated with the air ageing process.