Influence of Ozone-Treated Silica Nanoparticles on Mechanical Interfacial Behavior and Thermal Stability of Silicone Composites.

Silica nanoparticles were ozone-treated to increase the dispersibility of silica in a silicone matrix. Silicone rubber/silica composites were prepared using a melt-blending method. The effect of silica content on the mechanical and thermal properties of the silica-reinforced silicone composites was examined. The tensile strength of the prepared silicone/silica composites was maximized at 1 wt.% silica, due to the improved interfacial interactions between the silica reinforcement surface and the silicone matrix. The thermal stability of the composites was significantly enhanced with increasing silica content.