Water-swelling rubber containing small amount of nanofillers with enhanced water swelling durability

A series of water-swelling rubbers (WSR) were prepared by directly mixing room temperature vulcanization-2 components silicone rubber (RTV-2 SR) with superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and nanofiller(s) (halloysite nanotube or/and CaCO₃). The effects of component on its mechanical behaviours and water-absorbent properties such as degree of swelling, swelling ratio, and weight loss ratio were investigated. The equilibrium swelling ratio increased with increasing amounts of water-absorbent resin. Well-dispersed nanofiller(s) increased the mechanical properties of WSR and prevented SAP breaking off from the elastomer network to effectively enhance the water-swelling durability of WSR.