A gateway to tune the mechanical properties and surface features of silicone rubber

We report the modification of mechanical and surface features of silicone rubber (SR) by using hydroxylapatite nano‐particles (n‐HA). The n‐HA particles with an average particle size of 19 nm were initially synthesized, by a wet chemical method, and characterized by FTIR and XRD examinations. They were subsequently introduced into SR quantitatively by two‐roll milling and compression moulding. The effect of n‐HA loading on the cure, mechanical properties, morphology, surface roughness and surface free energies of the systems so derived were evaluated. Cure studies show that both the cure time and maximum torque of SR increase with an increase in n‐HA content in it. Mechanical properties of SR have been found to be considerably enhanced, upon loading it with 8 phr n‐HA. The significant reinforcement observed has been attributed to the uniform dispersion of n‐HA in the SR matrix and energetically favored SR‐n‐HA interactions. The interactions have further been confirmed by FTIR analyses. AFM studies indicate an increase in surface roughness of SR with n‐HA loading. Goniometric examinations show an elevation in surface energy with increase in n‐HA content in SR matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E35–E45, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers