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Evaluation of Polyurethane Elastomers for Encapsulation of Hydroacoustic Transducers
Author(s) -
Lemos Maurício F.,
Lima Roberto da C.,
Cunha Rodrigo H.,
Santos Jonas F.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.202000083
Subject(s) - materials science , elastomer , composite material , glass transition , shore durometer , silicone rubber , dielectric elastomers , dielectric , thermal stability , carbon black , polyurethane , dielectric loss , natural rubber , polymer , chemical engineering , optoelectronics , engineering
Hydroacoustic transducers are devices capable of converting mechanical energy from acoustic waves into electrical energy, and vice versa, through piezoelectric elements connected to electronics that need to be protected from contact with the water. This tightness is provided by the encapsulation of the transducers with elastomers. The use of fillers and chain extenders are known to promote a barrier for water diffusion, but it would inevitably change the other properties of the elastomer. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the effects of filler and chain extender addition on the properties of polyurethane elastomers (PUR) for this application. Thermogravimetric, thermomechanical, glass‐rubber transition temperature, hardness, and dielectric loss analyses are performed. It is observed an increase in the dielectric loss, hardness, and thermal stability with the addition of mineral fillers and carbon black. The addition of chain extender promoted a greater hardness in the final elastomer, but has no measurable effects on the dielectric loss, and decreased the thermal and dimension stability with temperature. Glass‐rubber transition temperatures remain in the range from –78 to –80 °C, which is in the acceptable range for the application as encapsulants.