A thermodynamic study of the crosslinking of methyl silicone rubber

Abstract

The crosslinking reaction in a two component methyl silicone rubber has been studied by thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The rubber was formed from two methyl silicone prepolymers; one containing reactive hydrogens every 50 to 100 groups and the other polymer containing pendant vinyl groups at the same frequency. In the presence of a platinum catalyst above 60°C crosslinking proceeds without a loss or gain in weight. The heat of reaction, energy of activation (calculated by two methods) crosslink density and elastic modulus (Young's) were studied as a function of prepolymer concentration, dilution and swelling. A preliminary value for the heat of reaction per mole of SiH and SiCHCH2 has been calculated. From crosslink density measurements both by hexane swelling and TMA and DSC heats of reaction a qualitative picture has been obtained of the role of entangled chains in producing effective crosslinks. © 1973.