Synergistic effect of three‐dimensional multi‐walled carbon nanotube–graphene nanofiller in enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of high‐performance silicone rubber

Abstract

The homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers and filler–matrix interfacial interactions are important factors in the development of high‐performance polymer materials for various applications. In the present work, a simple solution‐mixing method was used to prepare multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–graphene (G) (3:1, 1:1, 1:3) hybrids followed by their characterization through wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. Subsequently, MWCNT–G (1:1) hybrid was used as reinforcing filler in the formation of silicone rubber (VMQ) nanocomposites by solution intercalation, and their morphology and properties were investigated. Our findings showed that MWCNT–G (0.75 wt%)/VMQ composite exhibited significant improvements in tensile strength (110%) and Young's modulus (137%) compared to neat VMQ. The thermal stability of MWCNT–G (1 wt%)/VMQ was maximally improved by 154 °C compared to neat VMQ. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated the maximum improvement of glass transition temperature (4 °C), crystallization temperature (8 °C) and melting temperature (5 °C) for MWCNT–G (1 wt%)/VMQ nanocomposite with respect to neat VMQ. Swelling measurements confirmed that the crosslink density and solvent resistance were a maximum for hybrid nanocomposites. Such improvements in the properties of MWCNT–G/VMQ nanocomposites could be attributed to a synergistic effect of the hybrid filler. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

Mechanically and Thermally Enhanced Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube–Graphene Hybrid filled Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites

“…As a consequence, co‐dispersion of both the MWCNT and CRGO components is not achieved in MWCNT–CRGO (1:2, 2:1). Similar observations have recently been reported earlier in the literature . Therefore, dispersion stability of MWCNT–CRGO (1:1) hybrid indicates that this hybrid can be used as filler in TPU matrix.…”

“…MWCNT shows a sharp peak at 2 θ = 26°corresponding to 002 plane. However, in hybrid the peak intensity of MWCNT becomes weak and the peak broadens compared to MWCNT due to hybrid interaction …”

A Review on Polymeric Nanocomposites of Nanodiamond, Carbon Nanotube, and Nanobifiller: Structure, Preparation and Properties

“…A simple solution method was used by Pardhan, B. et al[243] to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of high performance silicon rubber with MWCNT and graphene (G). They prepared the hybrids in different proportions i.e.…”

Multiwalled carbon nanotube/montmorillonite hybrid filled ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties, thermal stability, and dielectric response

“…Yang et al also demonstrated remarkable synergy between graphene platelets (MGPs) and multi walled carbon nano tubes (MWCNTs) in improving the mechanical and thermal conductivity of epoxy composites . This concept has been adopted by our research group for the preparation of a range of new generation 3D hybrid fillers such as MWCNT/MMT, MWCNT/LDH, MWCNT/graphene in the development of polymer nanocomposites of silicone rubber (SR) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) . Dubois et al used polyethene coating on MWCNT in order to improve level of dispersion in EVA leading to substantial improvement in its mechanical properties and thermo‐oxidative stability .…”