Nanocomposite Made by Iranian Researchers Reinforces Pipe Fittings

Researchers at ‘Farapishtaz Hoonam’ company made the product which is a metal oxide-reinforced rubber nanocomposite that provides high mechanical properties deserving to be employed in pipe fittings.

The inclusion of metallic oxide nanoparticles in the polymer matrix can result in improved hardness by two times, diminished weight loss by 10 percent and decreased elongation by 110 percent.

The product can be used for sealing washers and producing pipe fittings.

Earlier, in April, a technological company in Iran had also used silica nanoparticles to produce washers with improved properties which can be applied in sealing connections in fluid transmission pipes.

Polymer or rubber washers (gaskets) are used to prevent water leakage in pipes which are connected to each other. A gasket is a mechanical seal designed to prevent leakage in the space between two pipes that is under air or water pressure.

Gaskets are usually produced by cutting materials and in the form of sheets in various types of cardboard, rubber, silicone, metal, felt, fiberglass or polymer, and strength, elasticity and thermal and chemical stability are among the important parameters in choosing a suitable gasket.

In order to improve these properties, an Iranian technological company used nanoparticles in production of gaskets, and application of nanoparticles improved wear properties, increased strength, and reduced elongation at the point of rupture.

Meanwhile, due to having a high surface-to-volume ratio, nanoparticles provide a higher active surface and a larger volume of them is involved in the background structure, and therefore, they show less swelling properties in different fluids.

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