This article concerns the functional properties of elastomeric composites reinforced with modified lignocellulosic material obtained from cereal straw. The aim of the research was to acquire new knowledge on the effectiveness of cereal straw modification methods in multifunctional properties, while reducing the flammability of newly designed elastomeric materials made of natural rubber. The article deals with investigating and explaining dependencies that affect the performance and processing properties of polymer biocomposites containing modified cereal straw. Three different silanes were used to modify the lignocellulosic filler: n-Propyltriethoxysilane, Vinyltriethoxysilane, and 3,3′-Tetrathiobis(propyl-triethoxysilane). The influence of the conducted modifications on the morphology and structure of straw particles was investigated using a scanning electron microscope, contact angle measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis technique. The increase in hydrophobicity and thermal stability of natural fibers was confirmed. In turn, the impact of silanization on the properties of filled composites was determined on the basis of rheometric characteristics and cross-linking density, static mechanical properties, tear resistance, thermal stability, and flammability tests. Noteworthy was the improvement of the mechanical strength of biocomposites and their resistance to burning. Correlations affecting the structure, morphology, dispersion, and properties of produced composites can facilitate the indication of a further research path in the field of development of new elastomeric biomaterials.

This article presents a procedure of the activation of halloysite and a method of the synthesis of nucleus-sheath type filler. The effects of the nanoadditives obtained on the thermal properties, flammabilities and fire hazards of peroxide and sulfur vulcanizates of NBR and SBR rubbers, are discussed. Based on the test results obtained by derivatography, oxygen index, FAA micro-calorimeter and cone calorimeter, the thermal stability, flammability, and fire hazard of the nanocomposites investigated were determined. The results obtained were interpreted from the point of view of the chemical structure of the diene elastomers investigated, their spatial network structure, and the method of halloysite modification.

This article presents the effect of the method of NBR cross linking on the thermal properties, flammability and fire hazard of its nanocomposites containing modified montmorillonite (NanoBent or Nanofil), using test results obtained by means of a derivatograph, oxygen index and cone calorimetry. It has been found that the thermal stability and flammability of the nanocomposites investigated depend on both the rubber network structure and the type of montmorillonite. The nanoadditives used reduce the flammability of cross-linked nitrile rubber and considerably limit its fire hazard.

The aim of this work is to describe the changes in the properties of ceramifiable silicone rubber-based composites caused by the incorporation of novel alternative minerals in comparison to other popular, widely utilized fillers. TiO₂, calcined kaolin and calcium-based minerals mix (CbMix) consisting of CaO (6.26 wt%), CaCO₃ (26.18 wt%) and Ca(OH)₂ (67.56 wt%) have not been considered as a dispersed phase of ceramifiable silicone composites destined for wire covers yet. Mineral fillers: TiO₂ (anatase), mica (phlogopite), CbMix, CaCO₃, Al(OH)₃, kaolin and calcined kaolin affect the processing and the various properties of silicone rubber-based composites destined for wire covers differently. The properties—flammability, smoke intensity, micromorphology and mechanical durability after ceramification—are assessed by measuring: the kinetics of vulcanization, stress at different levels of elongation, tensile strength and the elongation at break of the materials. Although the curing process of the composites is disturbed by the addition of CbMix, it benefits from an increase in oxygen index value, which reaches 31.4%. What is more, also its flammability parameters measured by cone calorimetry improve, such as the total heat released (THR) reaching 9.3 MJ/m². Samples containing kaolin and calcined kaolin exhibit the best mechanical properties before ceramification, whereas composites filled with calcium-based powders (CbMix, CaCO₃) mechanically display the strongest mineral char after heat treatment, possibly due to a more homogenous micromorphology and the creation of calcium silicates at elevated temperature. Significant amounts of wollastonite, parawollastonite and pseudowollastonite are visible in their structure after ceramification.

This article presents flame retardant compounds for silicone rubber (SR) in the form of polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxanes (POSS), containing both isobutyl groups and amino-propyl (AM-POSS) or chloro-propyl group (HA-POSS) or vinyl groups (OL-POSS). Silsequioxanes were incorporated into the silicone rubber matrix in a quantity of 3 and 6 parts by wt by the method of reactive stirring with the use of a laboratory mixing mill. Based on the analyses performed by TG (Thermogravimetry) FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), conical calorimeter, and SEM-EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) methods, the thermal degradation mechanism of non-cross-linked and cross-linked silicone rubber has been elucidated. The effects of POSS, and POSS in a synergic system with melamine polyphosphate (MPP), on the thermal properties and flammability of silicone rubber composites were presented. Based on the test results obtained, a mechanism of flame retardant action POSS and POSS-MPP has been proposed. It has been shown that POSS, especially with MPP, considerably increases the thermal stability and decreases the flammability of the SR rubber composites under investigation.