The objectives of this study were to evaluate the thermal properties, Young's modulus (E), and Mullins effect of polybenzimidazole (PBI) filled Sylgard 184 (Sylgard) in effort to create an alternative potting material. Thermal properties such as the decomposition temperature, glass transition temperature (Tg), and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) were examined in this study. Comparisons were made based on unfilled Sylgard values found in literature.PBI/Sylgard composites were first fabricated using a range of different particle concentrations (0-1wt %) and curing temperatures (50, 75, 100�C) to optimize the E and thermal properties. Different curing temperatures were investigated to ensure that the PBI particulates were uniformly dispersed and suspended throughout the matrix. Observing the morphology lead to the determination of the optimal curing temperature. The optimal particle concentration was estimated by mechanically testing the composites, and determining when the E plateaus. The decomposition temperature was determined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the Tg was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the CLTE was measured and calculated using a NETZSCH pushrod dilatometer. Additional mechanical testing provided insight on how different PBI particle concentrations affected the E and the Mullins effect of the PBI/Sylgard composites. Results concluded that PBI filled Sylgard can be used as an alternative potting material.

Thermal stability study of polybenzimidazole filled Sylgard 184 insulators

248th National Meeting (2014)

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