Optimisation of the Ceramic Phase for Ceramizable Silicone Rubber Based Composites

The paper presents results of investigation on composition of mineral components used for ceramizable silicone rubber-basing composites. Using different crystalline phase additives it is possible to assure the proper course of the composite degradation and its transformation during ceramization process. Three crystalline components were tested as an additive to silicone rubber - bentonite, kaolinite and wollastonite. They were added simultaneously with a glassy phase. These compounds during firing evolved (decomposed) and introduced into ceramized material polycrystalline structure, responsible for its properties. The process of composites degradation during heating up to 1050 deg. C were examined by DSC/TG technique. Characteristic of ceramized composite body created during heating was investigated by mercury porosimetry. The porosity evolution was described in the range of 600 - 1050 deg. C.