Electrospinning as a new method of preparing nanofilled silicone rubber composites

In this paper, electrospinning is shown to be an effective method for overcoming the agglomeration of nanosilica in silicone rubber nanocomposites. Silicone rubber nanocomposites with 7 nm silica were produced using conventional mixing and electrospinning processes. Scanning electron microscopy is used to demonstrate homogenous filler dispersion in electrospun samples as compared to conventional mixed samples. Thermo-gravimetric analysis and infrared-laser-based thermal tests show significant improvements in thermal stability and heat transfer in electrospun nanocomposites. However, no significant improvements in either the mechanical properties or relative permittivity between the electrospun and conventional mixed samples were found. The improved thermal properties of the electrospun silicone rubber nanocomposites are attributed to the significantly reduced nanofiller agglomeration and their uniform dispersion.