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Well-dispersed, robust, mechanicaly long-term stable functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT)-styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites were fabricated via a melt mixing route with the assistance of ionic liquid as a dispersing agent. The mechanical properties of f-MWCNT/SBR vulcanizates were compared over a range of loadings, and it was found that the network morphology was highly favorable for mechanical performance with enlarged stiffness. A comparative investigation of composite models found that modified Kelly-Tyson theory gave an excellent fit to tensile strength data of the composites considering the effect of the interphase between polymer and f-MWCNT. Dynamic mechanical analysis highlighted the mechanical reinforcement due to the improved filler-polymer interactions which were the consequence of proper dispersion of the nanotubes in the SBR matrix. Effectiveness of filler, entanglement density, and adhesion factor were evaluated to get an in depth understanding of the reinforcing mechanism of modified MWCNT. The amount of polymer chains immobilized by the filler surface computed from dynamic mechanical analysis further supports a substantial boost up in mechanics. The Cole-Cole plot shows an imperfect semicircular curve representing the heterogeneity of the system and moderately worthy filler polymer bonding. The combined results of structural characterizatrion by Raman spectroscopy, cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) confirm the role of ionic liquid modified MWCNT as a reinforcing agent in the present system.

Scientific advancements in the field of high-power transmission and distribution of electrical energy revolutionized the field of high-performance polymer-based electrical insulation systems. Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and its nanocomposites have gained substantial attention in the area of insulation, and these materials play a prodigious role in the arena of cable insulation. This paper includes various strategies for cross-linking PE coupled with different nanofillers to enhance the electrical insulation properties to attain high power transmission. It summarizes the significance of SiO 2 -, alumina-, TiO 2 -, and MgO-based XLPE nanocomposites as potential candidates for insulation in high voltage cables, electrical chips, and transistors and boron nitride-based XLPE nanocomposites for thermal insulation applications. Major challenges in dielectric insulation for cables, like partial discharge, space charge accumulation, water trees, volume resistivity, and DC breakdown strength, are addressed.

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