With one-piece inflatable curtains where the coating is on the exterior of the fabric, it is essential to have a high strength coating in order to withstand the inflation pressure which tends to blow the coating off the fabric. Silicone elastomers have become accepted as the material of choice for airbag coating. The primary function of the silicone is twofold: - provide thermal protection to the fabric from the hot gases and particulates that are generated by the bag inflator, - provide controlled impermeability to the fabric. There are several additional benefits: - improved fabric handling during fabrication, improved cutting of fabric with less fraying, reduced fabric bulk, easily pigmented to provide simple colour identification. Silicone coatings can also provide high pressure retention when coated on the outside of a fabric, low friction and remain highly foldable to fit into the required installation space (inflatable curtain). It is surely an indisputable fact that high strength silicone coatings have played a key part in the successful introduction of the inflatable curtain, whilst continuing to provide the reassurance of a well-proven technology.
Developments in the technology of silicone elastomers
Technologische Entwicklungen bei Silikonkautschuk als Beschichtung für Airbags
10 Seiten, 9 Bilder, 2 Tabellen
Conference paper
English
Developments on the technology of silicone elastomers
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