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Cross-linking network topology and durability in silicone rubber sealants for PEMFCs: the impact of curing systems and nanosilica interactions

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Abstract

This study investigates the durability of silicone rubber compounds employed as sealants in polyelectrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), focusing on their cross-linking network topology. Compounds are formulated with varying curing systems, including hydrosilylation and peroxide curing, and different filler content, sizes, and surface chemistries. The findings indicate that compounds cured by hydrosilylation exhibit enhanced hardness and storage modulus, along with reduced compression set and damp factor, in comparison to those cured by peroxide. These superior mechanical properties are attributed to a homogeneous cross-linking network topology with fewer "in-elastic chains." Furthermore, strong interactions between silicone rubber and nanosilica contribute to network topology by establishing physical cross-links. Remarkably, these interactions intensify during chemical aging in a simulated PEMFC environment, resulting in increased hardness and reduced compression set. In contrast, compounds containing hydrophobic surface-modified nanosilica experience severe mechanical deterioration due to higher chain degradation during chemical aging. In summary, this study highlights the critical role of cross-linking network topology and interactions with nanosilica in determining the durability of silicone rubber compounds for PEMFC applications.

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Data availability

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This material is based upon work supported by the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad under Grant No. 54573.

Funding

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 54573, Hamed Janani

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Sq., Mashhad, 9177948944, Iran

    Mohammadhossein Norouznezhad & Hamed Janani

  2. Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, 2525 Pottsdamer St, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA

    Hamed Janani

Authors
  1. Mohammadhossein Norouznezhad
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by MN, and HJ. The first draft of the manuscript was written by MN and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Hamed Janani.

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10965_2024_3898_MOESM1_ESM.docx

Supplementary file1 TGA of component A and B of the silicone rubber; Tensile stress–strain curves of silicone rubber compounds filled with nanosilica and micorsilicate; FTIR spectra of original and surface modified nanosilica; Change of stress–strain behavior due to chemical treatment for samples containing original nano-silica, and modified nano-silica (DOCX 5024 KB)

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Norouznezhad, M., Janani, H. Cross-linking network topology and durability in silicone rubber sealants for PEMFCs: the impact of curing systems and nanosilica interactions. J Polym Res 31, 59 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-024-03898-5

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