ELASTOMERS FOR LOW TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS
Abstract
Research works were carried out in the field of creating new rubbers with improved low-temperature, fire-fighting properties, with high resistance to the effects of petroleum products. Experimental rubber samples based on hydrogenated butadiene-nitrile rubbers and samples based on mixtures of propylene oxide and epichlorohydrin rubbers were developed. Physical and mechanical tests were conducted to determine the elastic-strength properties of rubbers, tests to determine the glass transition temperature by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. The obtained data showed that, depending on the type of rubber and other prescription factors, the developed elastomeric materials have a glass transition temperature from minus 45℃ to minus 87℃. Tests were carried out to determine the oil resistance and degree of swelling of rubbers after exposure in technological oil of the brand SGR-3 for samples 1-4, and to determine the fuel resistance and degree of swelling of rubbers after exposure in aviation kerosene of the brand TS-1 for samples 5-8. Analysis of the obtained data showed that the best characteristics for frost resistance are rubber samples based on mixtures of propylene oxide and epichlorohydrin rubbers. Elastomers in terms of elastic-strength characteristics and hardness indicators meet the requirements for sealing products of machinery and equipment of the oil and gas industry. Also, elastomers showed good results in tests for fuel resistance, while the degree of swelling of rubber samples in aviation kerosene is about 9%. Developments are protected as a trade secret (know-how). There is a positive experience in manufac-turing and selling lots of products made from developed elastomeric materials for domestic consumers.