Graphene–Rubber Layered Functional Composites for Seismic Isolation of Structures

Abstract

Herein, novel graphene‐reinforced elastomeric isolators (GREI) are proposed. Elastomeric isolators (EIs) are special devices used for seismic isolation of structures. They are made of alternate layers of steel and rubber (steel‐reinforced EI [SREI]), and they position between the structure and its foundations to decouple them. The heavy weight and complex manufacturing process of SREI drives costs up, and this restricts their use to strategic buildings such as hospitals and civic centers. In recent years, alternative materials have been proposed to replace the steel sheets of SREI, e.g., glass or carbon fiber‐reinforced EIs (FREIs). However, their mechanical behavior requires further investigation before being implemented in existing and new structures safely. As a promising alternative, GREI is proposed here to overcome the heavy weight and long manufacturing process of SREI and the mechanical limitation of FREI to seismic excitations.

Experimental Assessment of the Mechanical Performance of Graphene Nanoplatelets Coated Polymers

“…Graphene coating layers on polymers have proved to enhance the mechanical response to loading either on compression or tension. [9,17] This study was carried out to identify the effect of depositing layers of GNPs on polymer substrates to enhance the mechanical response of the coated materials under compressive loading and to eventually use the coated polymers for vibration isolation.…”

“…[6,8] A novel alternative to FREIs and SREIs that can be used to enhance the performance of elastomeric isolators at a lower cost is the coat of layered rubber pads with graphene nanoplatelets. [9] Graphene is a one-atom-thick planar sheet of sp 2 -hybridized carbon atoms structurally packed in a 2D honeycomb crystal lattice [10][11][12] Graphene has various advantages over steel or fiber materials (e.g., fiberglass or carbon fiber), such as high flexibility, elasticity, and mechanical resistance. [13] Based on the outstanding characteristics of graphene, it has been utilized in emerging technologies such as flexible electronics, energy storing, and fuel cells and for improving the mechanical properties of polymers.…”

“…[10,12,14] Particularly, the vertical stiffness and damping ratio of elastomeric materials (natural rubber) undertaking axial loading have been shown to improve by interposing graphene films into the polymer. [9] Layering has been proposed to overcome the problem of dispersing the exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets in the polymer matrix when preparing a polymer/graphene composite due to their smaller thickness of %1-2 nm and strong van der Waals interaction forces. [10] Although the mechanical performance of the natural rubber coated with graphene films has significantly improved, the layering process of graphene nanoplatelets on the rubber substrate is technically challenging.…”

The Effect of Graphene Ultrasonic Coating on Recycled Rubber

“…Marsico et al [ 18 ] conducted an experimental frequency response study on NR pads reinforced with layers of graphene. To transfer graphene films on rubber pads, the isopropyl alcohol‐assisted direct transfer method developed by the authors is used.…”

“…Graphene oxide (GO) is also considered as an ideal rubber nanofiller due to its easy preparation, plentiful oxygen groups, and large surface area, and it is shown to exhibit high reinforcing efficiencies for styrene-butadiene rubber; however, the compatibility of GO with nonpolar rubber is poor and homogeneous dispersion of graphene in rubber-like materials remains still demanding. [17] Marsico et al [18] conducted an experimental frequency response study on NR pads reinforced with layers of graphene. To transfer graphene films on rubber pads, the isopropyl alcoholassisted direct transfer method developed by the authors is used.…”