Study on Mechanical Properties of Silicone Rubber Talc RTV 497-Talc Composite as Shoe Insole Material Fabricated by Vacuum Mixing Technique

Silicone rubber is a biocompatible elastomeric material. Its elastic properties enable it to absorb impact loads, such as those experienced by the foot during walking or running. In order to achieve desired mechanical properties, silicone rubber can be blended with talc to form a composite material. This study investigates the influence of talc addition on the mechanical properties of silicone rubber RTV 497. The mixing process involves adding talc in percentages ranging from 5% to 30%. To minimize trapped air, the mixing process is conducted under vacuum conditions. The resulting mixture is then used to create specimens for tensile and compression testing. The test results demonstrate that the tensile strength and compressive strength significantly increase with higher percentages of talc addition. Thus, the percentage of talc added can be tailored to meet the requirements for an insole material that provides optimal comfort.