Synergistic effects of hybrid carbon nanomaterials in room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber

• Published in: Polymer international 2017-03, Vol.66 (3), p.450-458
• Main Authors: Kumar, Vineet, Lee, Jin‐Yong, Lee, Dong‐Joo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon; Carbon nanotubes; Fillers; Graphene; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; RTV silicone rubber; rubber nanocomposites; Silicone rubber; Synergistic effect
• ISSN: 0959-8103; 1097-0126
• DOI: 10.1002/pi.5283

This work examines nanocomposites based on nanofillers and room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber. The carbon nanofillers used were conductive carbon black (CB), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GE). Vulcanizates for CB, GE, CNTs as the only filler and hybrid fillers using CNTs, CB and GE were prepared by solution mixing. The elastic modulus for CNT hybrid with CB at 15 phr (4.65 MPa) was higher than for CB hybrid with GE (3.13 MPa) and CNTs/CB/GE as the only filler. Similarly, the resistance for CNT hybrid with CB at 10 phr (0.41 kΩ) was lower than for CB (0.84 kΩ) at 20 phr and CNTs as the only filler. These improvements result from efficient filler networking, a synergistic effect among the carbon nanomaterials, the high aspect ratio of CNTs and the improved filler dispersion in the rubber matrix. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry Vulcanizates based on pristine GE, CB, CNT hybrid reinforced silicone rubber were studied. The elastic modulus for CNT hybrid with CB was highest and resistance was lowest. These improvements resulted from efficient filler networking, a synergistic effect and optimum filler dispersion.