Property Failure of Silicone Rubber Caused by Silicone Grease Absorption

This study focuses on the absorption characteristics and evolution of key properties of silicone rubber (SiR) in the presence of silicone grease; a typical material used in power cable accessories. Diffusion mechanism of silicone grease within the SiR is investigated and the results indicate that it follows Langmuir diffusion model in the absence of significant swelling. Silicone grease absorption behavior is also explored under tensile strain and at various temperatures. The tensile strain accelerates and increases the absorption of silicone grease. In addition, the influence of the absorbed silicone grease on the key electrical and mechanical properties of SiR is surveyed. The investigation shows that the properties deteriorate. In addition, the mechanism of the mechanical property deterioration of SiR is discussed.