Hyperelastic Properties of Bamboo Cellulosic Fibre-Reinforced Silicone Rubber Biocomposites via Compression Test

Influence of Herbal Fillers Addition on Selected Properties of Silicone Subjected to Accelerated Aging

This work aims to assess the impact of the type and percentage of powdered herbs on selected properties of silicone-based composites. The matrix was an addition cross-linked platinum-cured polydimethylsiloxane. The fillers were powdered thyme and sage, which were introduced at 5, 10, and 15 wt.%. The introduced fillers differed in composition, morphology, and grain size. The grain morphology showed differences in the size and shape of the introduced fillers. The qualitative and quantitative assessment resulting from the incorporation was conducted based on tests of selected properties: density, wettability, rebound resilience, hardness, and tensile strength. The incorporation slightly affected the density and wettability of the silicone. Rebound resilience and hardness results differed depending on the filler type and fraction. However, tensile strength decreased, which may be due to the matrix's distribution of fillers and their chemical composition. Antibacterial activity evaluation against S. aureus proved the bacteriostatic properties of the composites. Accelerated aging in PBS solution further deteriorated the mechanical properties. FTIR and DSC have demonstrated the progressive aging of the materials. In addition, the results showed an overall minimal effect of fillers on the silicone chemical backbone and melting temperature. The developed materials can be used in applications that do not require high mechanical properties.

Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Mechanical Properties and Applications

"Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Mechanical Properties and Applications" is a newly open Special Issue of Polymers, which aims to publish original and review papers on new scientific and applied research and make boundless contributions to the finding and understanding of the reinforcing effects of various synthetic and natural fibres on the performance of biopolymer composites [...]

Synthetic and Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites for Advanced Applications

"Synthetic and Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites for Advanced Applications" is a recently opened Special Issue (SI) of Materials that focuses on the fundamentals, characterization, and applications of fiber-reinforced polymer composites [...].

Binary Promoter Improving the Moderate-Temperature Adhesion of Addition-Cured Liquid Silicone Rubber for Thermally Conductive Potting

The strong adhesion of thermally conductive silicone encapsulants on highly integrated electronic devices can avoid external damages and lead to an improved long-term reliability, which is critical for their commercial application. However, due to their low surface energy and chemical reactivity, the self-adhesive ability of silicone encapsulants to substrates need to be explored further. Here, we developed epoxy and alkoxy groups-bifunctionalized tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4H-MSEP) and boron-modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-B), which were synthesized and utilized as synergistic adhesion promoters to provide two-component addition-cured liquid silicone rubber (LSR) with a good self-adhesion ability for applications in electronic packaging at moderate temperatures. The chemical structures of D4H-MSEP and PDMS-B were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mass percentage of PDMS-B to D4H-MSEP, the adhesion promoters content and the curing temperature on the adhesion strength of LSR towards substrates were systematically investigated. In detail, the LSR with 2.0 wt% D4H-MSEP and 0.6 wt% PDMS-B exhibited a lap-shear strength of 1.12 MPa towards Al plates when curing at 80 °C, and the cohesive failure was also observed. The LSR presented a thermal conductivity of 1.59 W m−1 K−1 and good fluidity, which provided a sufficient heat dissipation ability and fluidity for potting applications with 85.7 wt% loading of spherical α-Al2O3. Importantly, 85 °C and 85% relative humidity durability testing demonstrated LSR with a good encapsulation capacity in long-term processes. This strategy endows LSR with a good self-adhesive ability at moderate temperatures, making it a promising material requiring long-term reliability in the encapsulation of temperature-sensitive electronic devices.