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- 2016 (5) (entfernen)
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- Rubber (3)
- Graphene (2)
- Nanocomposite (2)
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- Dispersion (1)
- Elastomeric seals (1)
- Flammability (1)
- Low temperature behavior (1)
- Multilayer graphene (1)
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Testing and numerical simulation of elastomeric seals under consideration of time dependent effects
(2016)
Due to delays in the siting procedure to establish a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel and high level waste and in construction of the already licensed Konrad repository for low and intermediate level waste, extended periods of interim storage will become more relevant in Germany. BAM is involved in most of the cask licensing procedures and is responsible for the evaluation of cask-related long-term safety issues. Elastomeric seals are widely used as barrier seals for containers for low and intermediate level radioactive waste. In addition they are also used as auxiliary seals in spent fuel storage and transportation casks (dual purpose casks (DPC)).
To address the complex requirements resulting from the described applications, BAM has initiated several test programs for investigating the behavior of elastomeric seals. These include experiments concerning the hyperelastic and viscoelastic behavior at different temperatures and strain rates, the low temperature performance down to -40°C, the influence of gamma irradiation and the aging behavior.
The first part of the paper gives an overview of these tests, their relevant results and their possible impact on BAM’s work as a consultant in the framework of approval and licensing procedures.
The second part presents an approach of the development of a finite element model using the finite element code ABAQUS®. The long-term goal is to simulate the complex elastomeric behavior in a complete lid closure system under specific operation and accident conditions.
Multilayer Graphene (MLG), a nanoparticle with a specific surface of BET = 250 m²/g and thus made of only approximately 10 graphene sheets, is proposed as a nanofiller for rubbers. When homogenously dispersed, it works at low loadings enabling the replacement of carbon black (CB), increase in efficiency, or reduction in filler concentration. Actually the appropriate preparation yielded nanocomposites in which just 3 phr are sufficient to significantly improve the rheological, curing and mechanical properties of different rubbers, as shown for Chlorine-Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber (CIIR), Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR), Natural Rubber (NR), and Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR). A mere 3 phr of MLG tripled the Young’s modulus of CIIR, an effect equivalent to 20 phr of carbon black. Similar equivalents are observed for MLG/CB mixtures. MLG reduces gas permeability, increases thermal and electrical conductivities, and retards fire behavior. The later shown by the reduction in heat release rate in the cone calorimeter. The higher the nanofiller concentration is (3 phr, 5 phr, and 10 phr was investigated), the greater the improvement in the properties of the nanocomposites. Moreover, the MLG nanocomposites improve stability of mechanical properties against weathering. An increase in UV-absorption as well as a pronounced radical scavenging are proposed and were proved experimentally. To sum up, MLG is interesting as a multifunctional nanofiller and seems to be quite ready for rubber development.
Multilayer graphene/chlorine-isobutene-isoprene rubber nanocomposites: the effect of dispersion
(2016)
Multilayer graphene (MLG) is composed of approximately 10 sheets of graphene. It is a promising nanofiller just starting to become commercially available. The Dispersion of the nanofiller is essential to exploit the properties of the nanocomposites and is dependent on the preparation method. In this study, direct incorporation of 3 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) MLG into chlorine-isobutene- isoprene rubber (CIIR) on a two-roll mill did not result in substantial enhancement of the material properties. In contrast, by pre-mixing the MLG (3 phr) with CIIR using an ultrasonically assisted solution mixing procedure followed by two-roll milling, the properties (rheological, curing, and mechanical) were improved substantially compared with the MLG/CIIR nanocomposites mixed only on the mill. The Young’s moduli of the nanocomposites mixed in solution increased by 38%. The CIIR/MLG nanocomposites produced via solution showed superior durability against weathering exposure.
In recent years, different nanoparticles have been proposed and successfully introduced as nanofillers in rubber nanocomposites. In this study, multilayer graphene (MLG) is proposed as a nanoparticle that functions efficiently at low concentrations. MLG consists of just 10 or so graphene sheets. Chlorine isobutyl isoprene rubber (CIIR)/MLG nanocomposites with different MLG loadings were prepared using an ultrasonically assisted solution mixing procedure followed by two-roll milling. The incorporation of MLG provides a clear improvement in the rheological, mechanical, curing, and gas barrier properties of the nanocomposites. Adding only 3 phr ofMLGto CIIR increased the Young’s modulus by more than two times and reduced the permeability ofO2 andCO2 by 30%. Higher nanofiller concentrations yielded further improvement in the properties of the nanocomposites. Moreover, CIIR/MLG nanocomposites showed reduced flammability.
High loadings of carbon black (CB) are usually used to achieve the properties demanded of rubber compounds. In recent years, distinct nanoparticles have been investigated to replace CB in whole or in part, in order to reduce the necessary filler content or to improve performance. Multilayer graphene (MLG) is a nanoparticle made of just 10 graphene sheets and has recently become commercially available for mass-product nanocomposites. Three phr (part for hundred rubbers) of MLG are added to chlorine isobutyl isoprene rubber (CIIR)/CB composites in order to replace part of the CB. The incorporation of just 3 phr MLG triples the Young’s modulus of CIIR; the same effect is obtained with 20 phr CB. The simultaneous presence of three MLG and CB also delivers remarkable properties, e.g. adding three MLG and 20 phr CB increased the hardness as much as adding 40 phr CB. A comprehensive study is presented, showing the influence on a variety of mechanical properties. The potential of the MLG/CB combination is illustrated to reduce the filler content or to boost performance, respectively. Apart from the remarkable mechanical properties, the CIIR/CB/MLG nanocomposites showed an increase in weathering resistance.