Phenyl raw rubber (especially phenyl silicone rubber) has significant application value in the field of nuclear reactor insulation materials. Its excellent high-temperature resistance, radiation resistance, and insulation properties make it an ideal choice for insulation materials in nuclear reactor environments.

I. Matching the Properties of Phenyl Silicone Rubber with Nuclear Reactor Requirements
1. Core Performance Advantages
High-Temperature Resistance: Phenyl silicone rubber can be used continuously at temperatures ranging from -100℃ to 250℃, and its short-term operating temperature can reach -110℃ to 400℃, fully meeting the operating temperature requirements of nuclear reactor coolant systems.

Excellent Radiation Resistance: High-phenyl silicone rubber (phenyl content above 30%) has excellent radiation resistance, 10-15 times that of methyl vinyl silicone rubber. It can withstand irradiation with 1×10⁹ roentgen gamma rays or 1×10¹⁸ neutrons/cm² while maintaining elasticity.

Wide Temperature Range Elasticity: It maintains elasticity continuously under extreme temperature conditions (from -100℃ to +70℃), ensuring the preservation of airtightness and structural integrity in the temperature fluctuation environment of nuclear reactors. 2. Special Requirements for Nuclear Reactor Insulation Materials
The insulation layer design for nuclear reactor coolant system equipment and piping must meet the following requirements:
Thermal Performance Requirements: Effectively reduce heat loss and control surface temperature
Mechanical Performance Requirements: Withstand system vibration and thermal stress
Safety Functions: Include radiation shielding and external cooling functions
Durability Requirements: Must pass a 2000-hour accelerated aging test for verification.

II. Application of Phenyl Silicone Rubber in Nuclear Reactor Insulation Systems
1. Specific Application Scenarios
Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) Insulation Layer: Used to wrap the reactor pressure vessel, reducing heat loss and controlling surface temperature.
Coolant System Piping Insulation: Applied to main equipment and piping of the reactor coolant system.
Radiation Shielding Layer: High-phenyl silicone rubber can be used as a radiation shielding material to reduce radiation dose in the nuclear island.
Sealing Components and Cable Sheaths: Used for key components of nuclear reactors such as high-temperature resistant cable sheaths and sealing rings.

2. Material Selection and Design
Phenyl Content Selection:
Low-phenyl silicone rubber (5-15% phenyl): Suitable for low-temperature regions, offering optimal low-temperature resistance.
High-phenyl silicone rubber (30% or more phenyl): Suitable for high-radiation regions, providing excellent radiation resistance.
Composite Structure Design: Often combined with high-efficiency thermal insulation materials such as aerogel to form a multi-layer thermal insulation structure.
Functional Improvement: Further enhancing radiation resistance and thermal insulation performance by adding components such as nano-ferric oxide and nano-cerium oxide.

III. Technological Development and Innovation
1. New Material Research and Development
Bionic Porous Ceramic Materials: Bionic porous ceramics inspired by the structure of mother-of-pearl, exhibiting anisotropic thermal insulation properties and good out-of-plane thermal insulation performance.

Aerogel Composite Materials: Combining aerogel with silicone rubber to form an ultra-low thermal resistance thermal insulation composite material.

Irradiation Aging Resistance Improvement: Significantly improving the stability of materials under radiation environments by adding radiation-resistant additives (20-30 parts).

2. Standardization and Specifications
National Standard: GB/T ISO 45569-2025, "Design Guidelines for Insulation of Equipment and Piping in Pressurized Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plants," details the design requirements for nuclear reactor insulation materials. International Standard: ISO 23466:2020 provides internationally accepted design specifications for nuclear reactor insulation materials. Testing methods include key test items such as heat flux verification, chimney effect protection, and thermal bridge control.