Impact of basalt filler on thermal and mechanical properties, as well as fire hazard, of silicone rubber composites, including ceramizable composites

This article illustrates the impact of basalt filler, both in the form of basalt flakes and basalt fibers, on thermal and mechanical properties, as well as on the fire hazard, of silicone rubber (SR) composites, including ceramizable composites. In addition to basalt filler, ceramizable composites contain mineral fillers in their composition in the form of silica and calcium carbonate, inorganic fluxes such as zinc borate and glass frit, and melamine cyanurate as a flame retardant. The obtained composites were analyzed from the point of view of their morphology, rheological and thermal properties, flammability, and mechanical properties before and after the ceramization process. The obtained research results indicate that the basalt filler has an unambiguous impact on the improvement of thermal properties and the reduction of flammability in the analyzed composites. The results of morphological analyses of ceramizable composites before and after the process of their ceramization indicate a definite impact of the basalt filler on the structure of the formed ceramic layer. An increase in its homogeneity exerts a direct impact on the improvement of its mechanical parameters.