Development of segregated 3D graphene networks in rubber nanocomposites with enhanced electrical and mechanical properties

Abstract

A simple and effective method to fabricate electrically conductive and high performance elastic nanocomposites with a segregated three-dimensional (3D) graphene network was developed by combining the liquid-phase of plasma-assisted electrochemical exfoliation of graphite (PGE) and poly butyl acrylate rubber (PBA) in situ interfacial modification process. The dispersion of interfacial modified PGE (MPGE) in the PBA rubber matrix was substantially improved after forming a rigid and segregated 3D network via the covalent bonding interactions between MPGE nanosheets and PBA particles. This segregated 3D conductive structure endowed the MPGE/PBA nanocomposites with dramatically enhanced electrical conductivity of 2.87*10−1 S/m with a MPGE loading of 5 wt% and also reinforced the mechanical properties analogously. The morphology and microstructure of the MPGE/PBA nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The developed strategy provides an innovative preparation route of graphene-filled high performance acrylic type nanocomposites.