Multifunctional silicone rubber nanocomposites by controlling the structure and morphology of graphene material

Abstract

Multifunctional elastomer nanocomposites have been applied in several high-tech fields. The design of materials with tailored properties capable of tuning their performance is a topical challenge. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to modulate the mechanical and transport properties of silicone rubber nanocomposites by controlling the structure, chemical composition and morphology of the graphene material. Intrinsic graphene properties, such as remaining oxygen groups, specific surface area, and aspect ratio, among others, have a profound effect on the final properties of the nanocomposite. Thus, the thermal conductivity benefits from larger filler size and high aromatic restoration. Whereas mechanical properties and electrical conductivity require a proper balance between filler/polymer matrix interaction and a partial aromatic restoration.