Atomic Force Microscopic Studies on the Silicone Rubber-Fluororubber Blend Containing Ground Rubber Vulcanizate Powder

Abstract

Atomic force microscopic (AFM) studies on the 50/50 blend of silicone rubber and fluororubber based on tetrafluoroethylene-propylene-vinylidene fluoride terpolymer reveal that the morphological features do not undergo appreciable change on 50% replacement of the fluororubber in the blend by its vulcanizate powder of fine particle size (1 mm). On the other hand, 50% replacement of the silicone rubber in the blend by its vulcanizate powder of coarse particle size (33 mm) causes substantial changes in the morphology. Surface roughness, for example, follows the order, neat blend ≥ blend with its fluororubber component replaced by its powder > blend with its silicone rubber component replaced by its powder. Mechanical properties follow the same order.