Effect of three heat-resistant agents on thermal properties of perfluoropolyether rubber

The effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), organic montmorillonite (OMMT), and Fe₂O₃ on the mechanical properties, thermal stability and hot aging resistance of perfluoropolyether (PFPE) rubbers were investigated. The thermal pyrolysis behaviors of pure PFPE rubber were analyzed by thermal decomposes method. The results indicate that dramatic increases in thermal stability are observed through the joined CNTs, OMMT and Fe₂O₃. Compared to pure PFPE rubber, the initial decomposition temperature and the 5% mass loss temperature of CNTs/PFPE rubber composite are 32.1℃ and 29.0℃ higher, respectively. The properties of Fe₂O₃/PFPE rubber composite after ageing at 200℃×72 h are obviously stabilized. The thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry curves of pure PFPE rubber move toward to high temperatures with increasing heating rate in air and N₂. According to the Kissinger basic formula, the so-called activation energy of pure PFPE rubber is calculated to be 135.06 kJ/mol and 262.46 kJ/mol in air and N₂, respectively.