Mesoporous silica as smart inorganic filler: preparation of robust silicone rubber with low thermal expansion property

Here we demonstrate the importance of mesoporous silica as a smart inorganic filler. Silicone rubber with low thermal expansion is realized by doping mesoporous silica particles. For the preparation of mesoporous silica/silicone composites, an unpolymerized silicone component is diluted by a volatile organic solvent and then is penetrated into the mesopores by a capillary force. After penetration, the organic solvent is evaporated completely. Based on theoretical calculations, the estimated degree of mesopore filling is more than 90%. Mesoporous silica/silicone composites show much lower Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CTE) and higher hardness values than do silicone composites with nonporous silica particles.