Preparation and Performance Optimization of a Two-Component Microcapsule Self-Healing Fluoro Silicone Rubber

In recent years, transformer failures caused by the aging of bushing sealing materials have become increasingly common in power systems, posing significant risks to the safe and stable operation of transformers. Microencapsulated self-healing technology offers a promising solution by repairing microcracks and extending the service life of rubber sealing materials. This study developed polyurea-formaldehyde microcapsules encapsulating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) self-healing agents based on a Pt/PDMS curing system. A two-component microencapsulated self-healing system was further established for fluoro-silicone rubber materials. The feasibility of self-healing in these composite materials was validated through tensile property tests. Additionally, the effects of varying microcapsule contents and two-component ratios on material performance were systematically investigated, leading to the optimization of the mechanical and self-healing properties of the microcapsule/fluoro-silicone rubber composites. The results demonstrated that using SYLGARD™ 184 as the healing agent, with a two-component microcapsule ratio of 6:4 (A:B) and a microcapsule content of 10 phr, yielded a remarkable self-healing performance, achieving a healing efficiency of approximately 63%. The results of this paper can provide reference for the development of long-life rubber sealing materials.