Patent ID: 6054651
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: C08J,H01B

Abstract:
An elastomeric foam structure comprising:an array of elongated electrical connectors embedded in an elastomeric material composition, said elastomeric material composition comprising an elastomer matrix in admixture with hollow filler particles;said elastomeric material composition is selected from the group consisting of a polysiloxane random copolymer comprising between about 70% to 85% weight percent of dimethylsiloxane and about 15% to 30% diphenylsiloxane natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, isobutylene-isoprene rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber, polychloroprene neoprene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, epichlorhydrin elastomer, acrylic elastomers, polysulfide elastomers, silicone elastomers, fluorocarbon elastomers, thermoplastic styrenic polymers, urethane polymers, olefin elastomers, and combinations thereof;said hollow filler particles each comprising a compressible polymeric shell formed from homo- or copolymers selected from the group consisting of styrene-acrylonitrile, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(vinylidene chloride), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyaniline, polyimides, polyamides, polycarbonate, polyethylene and silicon rubber;each said hollow filler particle encapsulating a gas, said hollow filler particle being formed from a solid filler containing a blowing agent, wherein said solid fillers are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide and ceric dioxide, neodymium oxide, samarium oxide and europium oxide, said blowing agent formed from a material which decomposes upon application of heat or radiation energy;said elastomeric material composition having been crosslinked by agents selected from the group consisting of methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymers, oxygen, peroxides, poly 1,4-polydienes and sulfur;so that when said elastomeric material composition is subjected to a compressive force, said elastomer material composition returns to its original shape after said compressive force is released, wherein said elastomer material composition has a lower density and coefficient of thermal expansion than said elastomer matrix.