The Influence of Zinc Waste Filler on the Tribological and Mechanical Properties of Silicone-Based Composites

Abstract

Silicones are often used for various types of coatings, but due to their poor mechanical properties, they often require modification to meet specific requirements. At the same time, various production processes throughout the world generate different types of waste, the disposal of which is harmful to the environment. One possible solution is to use production waste as a filler. In this paper, the authors investigated how the use of metallurgical production waste products as fillers changed the mechanical properties of silicone composites prepared by casting. Composite samples were characterized using tensile tests, resilience, pin-on-disc, Schopper–Schlobach abrasion, hardness, and density measurements. Based on the obtained results, the authors assessed the effect of each of the fillers used in different weight proportions. The results showed that the silicone composite filled with 5 wt% zinc dust showed the lowest decrease in tensile strength and Young’s modulus, with a simultaneous significant reduction in abrasion compared with the reference sample. This research shows that zinc waste can be successfully introduced into a silicone matrix in cases where it is important to reduce abrasive wear.

Determination of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Silicone-Based Composites Filled with Manganese Waste

“…The introduction of these two fillers at concentrations of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt% was carried out to reduce the abrasion of the obtained composite materials, in relation to the native silicone, when used as the matrix. In relation to the results presented in the previous publication [ 28 ], the authors found similar trends after introducing both zinc and manganese compounds into the silicone. In the case of the abrasive wear test, carried out on the Schopper-Schlobach apparatus, a decrease in the abrasive wear was noticed for all of the composites, when compared to the sample made of silicone F128.…”

“…This study is a continuation of previous research [ 28 ] in which authors investigated the introduction of zinc waste as a filler in silicon-based composites and its effect on the mechanical and tribological properties of the material. The obtained results showed that for 5 to 20% filling, the addition of both the zinc dust, and the sifted and non-sifted zinc ash improved the tribological properties and reduced the abrasive wear of the material.…”

“…In case of the research concerning the impact of the zinc waste fillers on change in tribological and mechanical properties of silicone-based composites [ 28 ] authors examined the compositions with 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 20 wt% of the fillers. Provided research showed that, the composites with 20 wt% of the fillers have worst mechanical and tribological properties in comparison with the composites with 5 wt% and 10% of the same filler.…”

“…All tests were conducted at 22 °C temperature and 50% humidity. The results of all the tests for silicone F128 were taken from the previous publication [ 28 ].…”

Mechanical, Chemical, and Processing Properties of Specimens Manufactured from Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) Using 3D Printing

“…Currently, a main focus of the manufacturing industry is determining the possibility of composite material applications, which often replaces those in previous use [ 7 , 8 ]. Polymer materials can become the matrix of the composite, which, depending on the type of filler, can change the physicochemical or biological properties that are most desirable in a given situation [ 9 , 10 ]. Choosing the right filler can increase mechanical strength and reduce abrasion at the same time [ 11 , 12 ].…”