Frost-Resistant Elastomeric Nanocomposites for Operation in the Far North Conditions

Operation of elastomeric materials in the extreme climatic conditions of the North is a complex and expensive, since not always existing materials can provide the required level of low-temperature characteristics (down to-60 ° C). This leads to failure of machines and mechanisms, equipment downtime, additional costs for repair or replacement of rubber parts. The need for such materials is continuously growing due to the intensive development of the northern territories, the need to develop new mineral deposits and development of offshore hydrocarbon production. Propylene oxide rubber (Tg = -73 °С) and epichlorohydrin rubber Hydrin T6000 (Tg = -60 °С) have unique frost resistance, but there is a need to improve aggressive media resistance, wear resistance and relaxation properties (the ability to restore its shape after relieving the load). For the modification of rubbers, additives of both organic and inorganic nature were chosen: ultrafine polytetrafluoroethylene, single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, nanodiamond-containing carbon charge obtained by detonation synthesis, shungite, natural zeolites and bentonite clays. The operating properties of rubber were studied in accordance with standard methods. The structure of the obtained materials was studied by means of DSC, XRD, electron and atomic force microscopy. All developed materials are recommended for use in various industries (oil and gas, road, rail) in the Arctic regions with extreme climatic conditions.