Graphene-Based Elastomer Nanocomposites: Functionalization Techniques, Morphology, and Physical Properties

Since the invention of vulcanization in the early 19th century, the study on potential factors affecting the crosslink network formation and the corresponding changes in the initial physiochemical attributes of elastomer has been the subject of prime interest. Where several investigations highlight the mechanism and kinetics of the crosslink network formation, the exclusive effect of compounding ingredients, such as filler, plasticizer, and anti‐oxidant, is still being pursued. In this direction, we report preparation and characterization of cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene (PB)–graphene (G) nanocomposite and highlight a phenomenon in which graphene induces the spontaneous chemical reactions in the cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene elastomer matrix triggered at 170 °C temperature. PB–G nanocomposites were prepared by a fairly simple solution mixing and precipitation process, and such nanocomposites were analytically investigated using several characterization techniques. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis shows the evidence of reactions via exothermic peak transition at ~170 °C temperature. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and stress–strain analysis suggest improvement in the initial physiochemical attributes of elastomer. The equilibrium swelling study quantifies the network structure that formed during the spontaneous reactions induced by graphene. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and Raman spectroscopic analysis suggest clear deviation in the pristine chemical structure of cis‐1,4‐PB elastomer and graphene, respectively. We believe that the spontaneous chemical reactions led to the formation of a three‐dimensional network within the PB elastomer. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48209.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 63%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sarkar et al . have worked on the functionalization of graphene exploring the DA reaction mechanism . Ma et al .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Temperature‐triggered three‐dimensional network formation in graphene–polybutadiene nanocomposite

Pal

Chatterjee

Naskar

2019

“…Functionalization and covalent modification of graphene has also been the topic of interest in our laboratory for long time . Mondal et al . recently reviewed the functionalization techniques, morphology, and physical properties of graphene based elastomer nanocomposites.…”

Section: Sustainable Rubber Additivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable rubbers and rubber additives

Sarkar

Bhowmick

2017

Self Cite

Rubber is one of the most versatile materials having myriad of applications-from niche rubber band and eraser to highly engineered spacecraft seal. Of late, the glittering concept of "sustainability" has been able to infiltrate within the domain of elastomer science and technology to a significant extent -in both academia and industry. This fervent context thus necessitates a systematic documentation of brief history, present research scenario and future perspective of sustainable developments in this field. The present review aims to portray a panoramic sketch of various sustainable rubbers and functional rubber additives in this field and intends to provide a direction to their plausible future developments.

Study of reinforcement mechanism and structural elucidation of expanded graphite‐carbon black hybrid filler‐SBR nanocomposites through comprehensive analysis of mechanical properties and small angle X‐ray data

Roy

Mondal

Kar

et al. 2020

Self Cite

Use of hybrid fillers as a reinforcing agent for polymers is found to be critical step toward developing a high-performance composite material. However, limited know-how on the nature of interaction of the hybrid fillers with the polymer chains resulted in a major impediment toward large-scale transmissibility of such a technology. Herein, we report about a strategy, wherein the polymer composite (free of curatives), comprising of hybrid filler and its gel was leveraged to effectively understand the physics involved toward reinforcement. Styrene-butadiene random copolymer as the matrix, and combination of expanded graphite and carbon black (N220) as the model hybrid filler were selected. The hybrid filler containing composite (SG22) demonstrated significant improvement in terms of the physico-mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus and so forth compared to the neat carbon black-filled system (S22). Stress-relaxation studies indicated that SG22 registered minimal decay in the force with time compared to S22. SG22 demonstrated a gel fraction of 68 ± 1% while 56 ± 1% was noted for S22. Further, rheometric studies like strain sweep, frequency sweep, complex viscosity of the gel fragments indicated the formation of fractal network of the hybrid fillers inside the polymer matrix. Small angle X-ray studies corroborated the crucial role played by the expanded graphite sheets in determining the microstructure of the composite owing to their lubrication effect and segregation of carbon black agglomerates by cutting through their sharp edges resulting in a well-distributed filler network.