Effect of tetraphenylphenyl‐modified fumed silica on silicone rubber radiation resistance

Abstract Two kinds of treated fumed silica were prepared by treatment with either tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane (TPHTS) or both tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane and hexamethyldisilazane (TPHMTS), and were used as reinforcing filler for silicone rubber. The resistance to irradiation of the silicone rubber obtained was investigated by gamma ray of dose 500 kGy in air. The mechanical properties and the average molecular weight between crosslinking points (Mc) of the silicone rubber were determined before and after irradiation. The results show that the fumed silica treated by tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane (TPHPHS) can effectively improve the radiation resistance of silicone rubber while the fumed silica treated by both tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane and hexamethyldisilazane (MM N ) cannot only effectively improve the radiation resistance of silicone rubber but also has excellent reinforcing effect on silicone rubber. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011