Selection and requirements for skeleton materials and fabrics of silicone rubber

The function of the skeleton material is to withstand the internal and external forces from the rubber product, improve the strength of the rubber product, and limit its deformation. It largely determines the performance and value of rubber products, so the majority of rubber products, such as tires, rubber pipes, rubber shoes, and tapes, need to use skeleton materials as reinforcement materials.

Basic requirements for skeleton materials of rubber products:

1. High strength, modulus, and resilience

2. Good heat resistance

3. Good fatigue resistance

4. Good dimensional stability

5. Good adhesion to rubber (surface immersion treatment)

6. Low price

7. Low relative density, beneficial for lightweight

8. Has good corrosion resistance and flame retardancy

I Types and properties of commonly used skeleton materials in the rubber industry

1. Cotton fiber

Cotton fibers have low strength, poor heat and fatigue resistance, low elasticity, and high heat generation

2. Rayon

Artificial silk has higher strength, fatigue resistance, and heat resistance compared to cotton fibers, with a high initial elastic modulus and good dimensional stability, but significant strength loss after moisture absorption.

3. Polyamide fiber

Polyamide fiber, also known as nylon, is divided into several types such as nylon 6 and nylon 66. Nylon fibers have high strength, good fatigue resistance, and excellent impact resistance, but have low elastic modulus, high thermal shrinkage, poor dimensional stability, and poor adhesion to rubber.

4. Polyester fiber

Polyester fiber is commonly known as polyester. It has high strength, excellent heat resistance, fatigue resistance, and dimensional stability. Due to high fatigue heat generation and susceptibility to amination, hydrolysis, etc., the strength of the cord is reduced. Poor adhesion to rubber.

5. Polyvinyl alcohol fiber

Polyvinyl alcohol fiber, also known as Vinylon or Vinylon. Its strength and modulus of elasticity are higher than cotton fibers, but not as good as nylon. The adhesion to rubber is worse than cotton fibers, but better than nylon and polyester fibers. It also has good chemical corrosion resistance, but poor resistance to moisture and heat.

6. Glass fiber

Glass fiber has high strength, excellent heat and corrosion resistance, as well as excellent electrical and thermal insulation properties. However, its fatigue resistance and adhesion to rubber are poor.

7. Steel wire

Steel wire is one of the important skeleton materials for rubber products, and its position in rubber fibers is increasing day by day. It is not only an essential material for manufacturing tire bead, but also widely used for steel cord fabric with the development of radial tires. In addition, it is also widely used in other rubber products such as steel wire weaving and winding rubber pipes. The advantage of steel wire is that it has excellent heat resistance and thermal conductivity. The initial elastic modulus is high. But it has a significant proportion, poor fatigue resistance, adhesion to rubber, and chemical corrosion resistance.