Abstract: Objective: To study the effects of aluminum borate whiskers on the mechanical properties of silicone rubber soft lining material. Methods: Aluminum borate whisker surface treated with 2.0% silane coupling agent were added into silicone rubber soft lining composite according to the following mass fraction:2%、3%、4%、5%.The group without any whiskers was prepared. The tensile stength, the elongation at break, and the Shore hardness of the composite according to national standards were measured. A specimens of each group was randomly selected to observe the dispersion conditions of whisker in the composite scanning electron microscope. Results: With the increase of aluminum borate whisker, Shore hardness increased, tensile strength and tensile elongation showed a downward trend after the first rise. The whole optimal dosage of aluminum borate whiskers was 4%. Conclusion: The amount of aluminum borate whiskers have some influence on the mechanical properties of silicone rubber soft lining. According to the content of aluminum borate in this experiment,when the dosage of aluminum borate whisker was 4%, the composite material could achieve better mechanical properties.

Key words: Aluminum borate whisker, Silicon rubber , Mechanical properties