Improving the properties of Silicone Based Nanocomposites by Graphene Nanoplates and an Organosilane as a Coupling agent

Elastomeric nanocomposites based on silicone rubber (SR) containing Graphene nano-sheets were prepared using a two-roll mill mixer. Mechanical, morphological and rheological characterizations of the prepared nanocomposites were carried out in order to study the effect of different nanographene compositions (0.5, 1, 2 wt%) and also an organosilane as a coupling agent. The better interaction between graphene and SR was directly confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results depicted a decreasing trend in the optimum cure time (t90) and scorch time (t5) values of the nanocomposite samples with increasing graphene loading and using the coupling agent. The mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites showed a considerable increase in the tensile strength and modulus of SR/Graphene nanocomposites. Moreover, elastic modulus (G´), loss modulus (G ) and complex viscosity (ƞ*) of the samples have been increased with increasing the nanograghene content and also presence of the organosilane.

Keywords:

Nanocomposite-Graphene-Silicone rubber-Organosilane-coupling agent