Application of Vietnamese Nano Graphene as SBR Rubber Reinforcement for Abrasion Resistance Conveyors

Abstract

Graphene has been extensively considered as an ideal additive to improve the mechanical properties of many composite materials, including rubbers, because of its novel strength, high surface area, and remarkable thermal and electron conductivity. Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is considered a good material for abrasion resistance conveyors in industries. However, the mechanical properties of SBR still need to be improved. This study shows the enhancement of Vietnamese nano graphene (GNPs) on mechanical properties of SBR rubber such as tensile strength, tear strength, abrasion resistance, and adhesion strength. The distribution of the Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP)-modified GNPs in the SBR matrix was investigated using scanning electron spectroscopy. Results show a significant increase in SBR/GNPs nanocomposite mechanical properties with the presence of GNPs (tensile strength, and tear strength increased by 29.67% and 31.89% respectively in comparison with SBR rubber without GNPs, and abrasion weight loss was decreased by 30.84% in comparison with SBR and adhesion strength with polyester fabric was 3 times higher than that of SBR). The evaluation of GNPs content in SBR/GNPs nanocomposite material was carried out. Results show that 0.5 phr of GNPs content in SBR/GNPs nanocomposite material was the optimal GNPs content with good mechanical properties, high abrasion resistance, and good adhesion with polyester fabric.