Effect of the Incorporated POSS Nanoparticles in Fluoroelastomer

The effects of different load of nanoparticles incorporated onto fluoroelastomer were studied. The elastometer type Viton^® F, which is a terpolymer of hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene, is used for sealing applications such as fuel systems and permeation resistance to fuels, compression/transfer molding of O-rings and gaskets. The chemical resistance characteristics offer significant improvements in processing, rheology, and physical properties. The addition of nanoparticle is to prevent the excessive swelling acting as barrier, to enhance physical and mechanical properties and to improve the thermal and oxidation resistance. The polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) has been studied as a nanoparticle filler. The POSS was incorporated in the elastomer using a two roll cylinder. The physical and chemical properties of the modified and pristine samples were evaluated by thermal analyses (TG), X-ray diffraction (DR-X), Mechanical tests, swelling and scanning electronic microscope (SEM) in order to identify how the properties of the elastomer were changed by the addition of nanoparticles.