Development and study of elastomer heat-shielding materials containing zirconium dioxide

Abstract

The effect exerted by introduction of a combination of zirconium dioxide and thermally expanding graphite on the structure of the coke layer of an elastomer fireproofing and heat-shielding material based on ethylene–propylene rubber was studied. The presence of acute angles on the surface of a zirconium dioxide particle enhances its physicochemical activity in sorption (owing to excess surface energy) and promotes coking at high temperatures.