Styrene-butadiene Rubber Matrix Research Articles

Rubber/clay nanocomposites prepared by compounding clay gel with hydrophilically treated styrene-butadiene rubber

In this work, high-performance rubber/clay nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared by hydrophilic modification of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) in conjunction with gel compounding method. The hydrophilicity of SBR matrix increased by 76 % with the addition of hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), which significantly enhanced the clay-rubber compatibility and processing efficiency. The vulcanization rate of the SBR/clay NC was increased by adding CTAC. The addition of CTAC greatly improved the clay dispersion and the rubber-filler interactions. With increasing the clay loading, the SBR/CTAC/clay NCs showed a gradual increase in stress at a certain strain, elongation at break, tensile strength and Shore A hardness, demonstrating an excellent reinforcing effect of the clay. The tensile strength of the SBR/CTAC/clay NC with 40 phr clay loading reached 14.0 MPa, which was 8.8 times that of the pure SBR and even better than the organoclay filled SBR NC.

A novel strategy to prepare rubber/clay nanocomposites via compounding clay gel into cocoamidopropyl betaine modified styrene butadiene rubber

In this study, high performance styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/clay nanocomposites (NCs) modified by cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) are prepared via an efficient and facile strategy. CAPB-modified SBR was compounded with clay gel via gel compounding method to obtain SBR/clay composites. The effect of processing condition and CAPB on the mechanical properties of the SBR/clay composites was investigated. XRD and TEM results show that clay dispersion in SBR matrix is significantly improved due to the success of CAPB in the hydrophilic modification of SBR. The clay-SBR interaction is enhanced and more SBR molecular chains are adsorbed to the clay, significantly improving the mechanical properties of SBR/CAPB/clay NCs, as demonstrated by SEM and DMA. The maximum tensile strength of SBR/CAPB/clay NCs achieved 16.3 MPa at a clay loading of 40 phr, which is 10 times that of pure SBR. The tensile strength of the SBR/CAPB/clay NC incorporated with 20 phr clay has exceeded that of the SBR composite incorporated with 40 phr commercial organic clay. This work demonstrates that this strategy, which combines the CAPB-modification of SBR with the gel compounding method, is an effective and feasible method to improve the mechanical strength of SBR.

Ozone resistance of three natural antioxidants in solution polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber—Molecular simulation and experimental study

Rubbers containing a high number of unsaturated units face significant challenges due to ozone aging. In industrial production, p-phenylenediamines are commonly used as synthetic antiozonants to protect against ozone degradation. However, their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment are gradually being recognized. Experimentally selecting antioxidants is costly and subject to numerous restrictions. Consequently, developing a new strategy for efficiently screening eco-friendly antioxidants is crucial. This study involved a comparative analysis of three natural antioxidants and examined the factors influencing their ozone resistance through multi-scale molecular simulation methods. Subsequently, these antioxidants were incorporated into a solution polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber matrix. Their performance was experimentally validated and compared with the standard N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine control. Analysis of the properties and microstructure in the experiments revealed the following order of ozone resistance: α-tocopherol > sinapic acid > gallic acid. This ranking aligns well with the predictions of the simulations. This study aims to augment the understanding of the anti-ozone actions of antioxidants and to propose a novel method for designing new antiozonants.

Reinforced, self-healing, recyclable rubber materials based on multiple dynamic bond constructs crosslinked with chemical groups

Enhancing the mechanical attributes of traditional rubber, while simultaneously imparting superior self-healing and recyclability, remains a formidable task within the realm of polymer science. In this study, we introduce, for the inaugural time, the utilization of metal–ligand interactions to amalgamate chemical cross-linking sites within a styrene-butadiene rubber matrix. This approach facilitates the creation of a fortified, self-healing, and recyclable rubber composite, interconnected by an array of dynamic bonds within a singular chemical entity. This chemical assembly engenders a microphase-separated architecture that exhibits reinforcement and resistance to creep. In addition, the presence of reversible oxime-carbamate and metal–ligand bonds bestow the rubber composites with remarkable self-healing and recyclability. Notably, the self-healing efficiency reached an impressive 87%, while the recyclability retention hovered between 85 and 91% (in terms of tensile strength) post multiple reprocesses. This research paves a novel avenue for the fabrication of rubber composites that are robust, self-healing, and recyclable.

Non‐covalent interactions between ionic liquid and graphene nanoplatelets as a tool to fine tune the properties of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites

AbstractAchieving a robust interfacial interaction between the filler and polymer matrix is crucial for the production of polymer nanocomposites with superior performance. 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium bromide (BMIB) was used to fine‐tune the surface properties of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) in the preparation of ionic liquid (IL)‐functionalized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites. The combined results of Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed multiple non‐covalent interactions between BMIB molecules and GnP in modified graphene (IMG). FTIR and XRD studies confirmed the role of IL as an efficient surface modifier for the uniform dispersion of GnP in the SBR matrix via secondary interactions. And the TEM micrographs revealed an even dispersion of IMG in the SBR matrix. TGA and DTG studies showed significant improvements in the thermal stability of SBR nanocomposites with IMG loading. The Cole‐Cole plot showed imperfect semicircles for all the filled systems, indicating heterogeneity. The novel SBR nanocomposites showed an improvement of 271% in tensile strength with 10‐phr IMG loading

A novel strategy to functionalize styrene butadiene rubber toward enhanced interfacial interaction with silica

AbstractIncorporation of nanofillers (such as silica) into elastomer matrix is the most common strategy to prepare high‐performance rubber products. However, the poor dispersion of nanofillers in non‐affinity rubber materials and the weak interfacial interaction significantly limit the processing and mechanical properties. To reduce the polarity difference and enhance the interfacial interaction between silica and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), we prepared a hydroxyethyl acrylate‐grafted SBR (SBR‐g‐HEA) through the redox initiator system, and subsequently fabricated SBR‐g‐HEA/silica nanocomposites by simple mechanical blending. The effects of reaction conditions on the grafting rate were studied in detail. ATR‐FTIR and 1H‐NMR collectively confirmed the successful grafting of HEA groups on SBR molecular chains, and the grafting fraction could be regulated from 0% to 2.5%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and rubber processing analyzer (RPA) showed that the incorporation of HEA could significantly improve the dispersion of silica nanoparticles in SBR matrix. Notably, the resulting SBR‐g‐HEA exhibited significantly enhanced attributes when compared to their unmodified counterparts, including superior mechanical properties, improved wear resistance, and reduced heat generation. The strategy proposed here provided insights toward the fabrication of non‐affinity rubber/filler nanocomposites for high‐performance rubber products and green tire.

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

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.

GLYCIDYL METHACRYLATE AS A NON-SILANE MODIFIER IN RUBBER/SILICA COMPOSITES

ABSTRACT Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was grafted onto styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and silica by a solution grafting process. Successful grafting onto rubber and silica was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, with the peaks at 1149, 842, and 1729 cm−1 attributed to the C–O stretching, the epoxy group, and the C=O stretching vibration of the GMA monomer, respectively. After grafting onto the silica surface, the peak at 842 cm−1 in the spectra disappeared, confirming the grafting reaction through the epoxy group. Grafting onto SBR was also confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, and the SBR-GMA interaction was shown using two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy. The grafted products were further characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differencial scanning calorimetry. Grafting density and grafting weight percentage of GMA-grafted silica were calculated using TGA: 10 and 20% GMA-grafted SBR and 20% GMA-grafted silica compounds and their vulcanizates were prepared. Rubber–silica interaction through grafted GMA was shown using FTIR spectroscopy for both types of vulcanizates. Dispersion of pristine and GMA-modified silica onto the SBR matrix was quantified using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of these GMA-modified vulcanizates were studied and compared with those of previously reported 3-octanoylthio-1-propyltriethoxysilane–modified vulcanizates. The effect of the state of dispersion of silica onto the physico-mechanical properties of the vulcanizates was investigated. The properties of the non-silane–modified systems were comparable with, and in some cases superior to, that of the new mercapto silane-modified systems in the energy-efficient tire application.

Insights into the Structural and Dielectric Behavior of Composites Produced from EPDM Waste Processed through a Devulcanization Method and SBR.

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is one of the most used polymers in the world. It is an elastomer, which means that the existing cross-linking between the main chains of the polymer created during the vulcanization process makes its recycling difficult. In this paper, a possible solution to this issue is studied. The devulcanization of EPDM is achieved by a thermomechanical process followed by microwave irradiation. These combined treatments suppress the cross-linking, yielding a material (EPDMd) that can be successfully blended to form composites. A common elastomer, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), has been selected as the matrix. The new SBR/EPDMd composites can be useful as elastomeric dielectric materials and can contribute to the recycling of the discarded EPDM. To provide a better understanding of their microstructure and its relationship with their micro- and macroscopic behavior, samples containing 20 and 40% of EPDMd have been tested by thermogravimetric and dielectric analysis, focusing on variables such as the thermal properties of the blends, permittivity, electric modulus, conductivity, and activation energies. The results show interesting changes linked to the presence of EPDMd in the SBR matrix, such as the displacement of the β dielectric relaxation toward higher frequencies. The correct integration between the two phases is confirmed by the absence of any Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars type relaxation in their dielectric behavior. The presence of additives in the EPDMd samples has an effect on the conductivity, mainly due to the conductive aluminum silicate present in the EPDMd, which acts toward increasing some key dielectric features like conductivity and permittivity and decreasing the insulation of the final SBR/EPDMd materials. The inclusion of EPDMd also affects the α relaxations (low frequencies) and suppresses the β relaxations (high frequencies). The samples showed a non-Debye dielectric behavior. In short, a compact and well-integrated material with a dielectric behavior is created, which exhibits interesting differences from the reference SBR matrix. Finally, it is concluded that the compounds tested are suitable for applications as electrical insulators.

Reactive grafting of hydroxyethyl acrylate in styrene butadiene rubber: Characterization and its effect on silica reinforced tire composites

AbstractHydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) was grafted onto styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) macromolecular chain by melt grafting method. Grafted structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H spectra of nuclear magnetic resonance. In addition, the SBR‐g‐HEA/silica composites have been studied for their improved filler dispersion through hydrogen bonding interaction at the SBR/silica interface. SBR molecular chains and the silica interface was enhanced through coupling interaction at the hydroxyl modified SBR/silica, at the same time. scanning electron microscope image of the cryo fractured surface of different SBR/silica composites and reduced Payne effect of rubber compound confirmed the silica particles have an even dispersion throughout the SBR matrix. The dynamic curves indicated the highest efficacy for wet and dry traction performances of SBR‐g‐HEA/silica composites comparing to unmodified reference sample. Meanwhile, the preparation of the composite does not need to add silane coupling agent to increase the capacity, there will be no volatile organic compounds produced by silanization reaction. Owing to the good properties such reduced energy and increased fuel efficiency, the SBR‐g‐HEA is an ideal eco‐friendly material for green tire tread.

Construction of renewable biomass cardanol functionalized spherical nanoparticles achieving favorable interfacial interaction and thermostability in styrene butadiene rubber matrix

AbstractTo expand the application of natural resources in the green rubber industry and reduce the dependence of rubber additives on the non‐renewable petrochemical resources, a novel cardanol‐based natural rubber additive (silica‐s‐LPCGE) is prepared. Compared with the directly adding of silica and LPCGE, silica‐s‐LPCGE is assisted to form an effective interfacial interaction between the rubber matrix and the filler during rubber vulcanization by the immobilized LPCGE on silica surface, to improve the mechanical property and processability of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/silica‐s‐LPCGE composites. Meanwhile, with the introduce of silica‐s‐LPCGE, the aging resistance and migration resistance of the SBR composites are also improved obviously. The preparation of this novel multifunctional supported natural biomass processing additive provides a new possibility for the preparation of green rubber additives.

The effect of POSS nanoparticles on crosslinking of styrene-butadiene rubber nanocomposites.

The effect of octaisobutyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OIB-POSS) as a nanosized reinforcement on the cure kinetics, crosslinking density, and mechanical properties of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites was examined in this study. For this purpose, SBR compounds with various OIB-POSS nanoparticle loadings at 1, 3, and 5 phr were prepared and their results were compared with a reference compound without OIB-POSS. When 1 phr of OIB-POSS was added to the rubber matrix, the elongation at break values and tensile strength of the corresponding nanocomposite increased by 24.1% and 29.2% compared to the reference sample, respectively. The presence of OIB-POSS nanoparticles and their random distribution in the SBR matrix was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The crosslinking density of nanocomposites was calculated by the Flory-Rehner method and a decrease was observed with the addition of OIB-POSS nanoparticles. In addition, thermal aging process as 70 °C for 70 h was applied to vulcanized samples. It was noted that the mechanical properties of SBR/OIB-POSS nanocomposites remarkably improved, whereas their crosslinking densities gradually decreased after thermal aging.

Antioxidant modified graphene oxide for robust and highly aging resistant rubber composites

In this work, rubber antioxidant poly(1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline) (RD) was introduced as organic surface modifier of graphene oxide (GO) for the preparation of robust and highly anti-aging rubber composites. It was found that RD was chemically grafted on GO surface by C–N bond. Interestingly, the oxygen-containing groups on GO were also substantially removed after surface modification, indicating the good reducing capability of RD on GO. As RD with large molecular weight could significantly diminish the restacking of graphene sheets and form inherent π–π interaction with styrene moieties in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), the modified GO (G-RD) showed fine dispersion in SBR matrix and improved interfacial interaction with rubber chains, leading to much better mechanical performance and thermal conductivity of SBR/G-RD composites than those of SBR composites with hydrazine hydrate reduced GO (H-G). Moreover, thanks to the improved barrier effect of G-RD due to its good dispersion and suppressed physical loss of RD due to its chemical grafting, SBR/G-RD composites exhibited exceptionally high long-term thermal-oxidative aging resistance compared with SBR composites with H-G and ungrafted RD, indicating that G-RD can well fit the bill of long-term applications of unsaturated rubbers in some harsh service conditions.

Mesoporous Spherical Silica Filler Prepared from Coal Gasification Fine Slag for Styrene Butadiene Rubber Reinforcement and Promoting Vulcanization.

Coal gasification fine slag (CFS) is a solid contaminant produced by an entrained flow gasifier, which pollutes fields and the air in the long term. CFS is a potential polymer reinforcement filler and has been used in polypropylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resins. Coal gasification fine slag mesoporous silica (FS-SiO2) was prepared by acid leaching, calcination, and pH adjustment, with a larger specific surface area and less surface hydroxyl compared to the commercial precipitated silica (P-silica). The cure characteristics, crosslink density, mechanical properties, the morphology of the tensile fractures, dynamic mechanics, and rubber processing of the prepared styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites filled with P-silica and FS-SiO2 were analyzed, respectively. The results indicated that FS-SiO2 was dispersed more uniformly in the SBR matrix than P-silica owing to its smaller amount of surface hydroxyl and spherical structure, resulting in a better mechanical performance and wet skid resistance. In particular, the SBR composites with a filler pH of 6.3 exhibited the highest crosslink density and tensile strength, being superior to commercial P-silica. Significantly, the curing time decreased with the increase in the pH of FS-SiO2, which caused the rubber processing to be more efficient. This strategy can reduce the cost of rubber composites and the environmental pollution caused by CFS.

A green dual-phase carbon-silica nanohybrid derived from black liquor lignin for reinforcing styrene-butadiene rubber

In rubber industry, lignin has been investigated as a potential alternative of fossil-derived carbon black (CB) for several decades. However, due to poor dispersity, big particle size and incompatibility with rubber, lignin cannot achieve the same reinforcing effect as CB by direct dry mixing. Here, a new and green dual-phase carbon-silica nanohybrid (LDPCS) was successfully prepared from black liquor lignin (BLL) and sodium silicate through a simple co-gelation/self-assembly and carbonization process. The preparation mechanism and process as well as the morphology and properties of LDPCS were investigated and discussed in detail. The results indicated that the hydroxymethylation and silane modification of BLL could improve its affinity with SiO2 sols, thus facilitating the co-gelation of BLL and SiO2 sols to inhibit the growth of SiO2 particles. During subsequent acid precipitation, silane modified hydroxymethylated BLL (SiHM-BLL) was self-assembled around SiO2 particles to form nanosized SiHM-BLL-SiO2 hybrids. After carbonization, SiHM-BLL-SiO2 nanohybrids were converted into LDPCS with small primary particle size of 60–90 nm, high specific surface area of 82.19 m2/g, relatively loose secondary aggregation structure and graphitic microcrystals in the carbon framework. With incorporating LDPCS into styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) by direct dry mixing, LDPCS showed a superior reinforcing capability for SBR as compared with CB, which was ascribed to the nanoscale dispersion of LDPCS, robust C/SiO2 interfaces and high affinity with SBR matrix. This work provided a new insight into the fabrication of novel hybrid nanofiller from lignin and broadened the potential applications of lignin in rubber compounds and beyond.

Effect of 3-Mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane Modified Illite on the Reinforcement of SBR.

To achieve the sustainable development of the rubber industry, the substitute of carbon black, the most widely used but non-renewable filler produced from petroleum, has been considered one of the most effective ways. The naturally occurring illite with higher aspect ratio can be easily obtained in large amounts at lower cost and with lower energy consumption. Therefore, the expansion of its application in advanced materials is of great significance. To explore their potential use as an additive for reinforcing rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites with illites of different size with and without 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (KH580) modification were studied. It was found that the modification of illite by KH580 increases the K-illite/SBR interaction, and thus improves the dispersion of K-illite in the SBR matrix. The better dispersion of smaller size K-illite with stronger interfacial interaction improves the mechanical properties of SBR remarkably, by an increment of about nine times the tensile strength and more than ten times the modulus. These results demonstrate, except for the evident effect of particle size, the great importance of filler–rubber interaction on the performance of SBR composites. This may be of great significance for the potential wide use of the abundant naturally occurring illite as substitute filler for the rubber industry.

Enhancement of mechanical properties of styrene‐butadiene rubber composites by carbon black/silicone carbide hybrid filler networking

AbstractIn this study, the effects of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles as a secondary filler on the filler networking in carbon black (CB)/SiC hybrid filled styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) were investigated in detail. It was shown that there was a critical loading in the low‐loading range of SiC, which can significantly improve the final dispersion state in the hybrid composite. It was discussed that in the critical loading of SiC due to the surface energy mismatch between CB and SiC the kinetics and the extent of filler networking in the SBR matrix were decreased. It was demonstrated how CB/SiC hybrid filler networking results in synergistic effects in dynamic, and tribological properties of SBR composites. Obtained results demonstrated that the use of nano SiC as a secondary filler in CB filled rubber composites can open up new opportunities to manufacture rubber composites with integrated dynamic‐mechanical and tribological performance.

Newsprint microcrystalline fibers activated by different coupling agents and electron beam irradiation as filler for styrene-butadiene rubber-based composites

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites offer many benefits over predictable composite materials, such as accessibility, low-cost, lightweight, and high definite mechanical properties. However, the applications of these materials are quiet restricted due to the contests in realizing a good interface between the fibers and matrix. This is highly influenced by the fiber surface characteristics and the polymer matrix properties. Therefore, this work discusses the incorporation of newsprint microcrystalline fibers (NPMCFs) in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) based composite. The fibers were first treated with (consistent concentration (10 w/100 w) coupling agents to fiber, respectively. The coupling agents namely: vinyl acetate versatic ester (VAcVe), maleic anhydride (MA), and phenol-formaldehyde resin (PFR), followed by surficial modification by irradiation with 30 kGy electron beam. Pristine and produced fibers were compounded to SBR. Mixing the ingredients was carried out on a rubber roll mill and then molded on a hot press to induce sulfur vulcanization. Characterization of the yielded fibers was investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). The mechanical properties of composites, such as tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus, tensile set, and crosslinking density demonstrated enhanced values as a result of enforcing the SBR matrix. The morphological examination via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques explicitly indicated the adhesion of the prepared fibers to SBR moiety. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed a remarkable improvement in the thermal stability of the developed MA and PFR/SBR composites.

Ultrafine Grinded and Silane Grafted Iron Ore Tailings as Reinforcing Filler of Styrene Butadiene Rubber.

In order to realize the high value-added resource utilization of solid waste and reduce the cost of rubber manufacturing, iron ore tailings (IOTs) were used as raw material to prepare a reinforcing filler of rubber through ultrafine grinding and surface organic modification techniques. We studied the effects of ball mill grinding conditions on the particle size and distribution of grinded iron ore tailings (G-IOTs). The effects of bis-(triethoxy-silyl-propyl)-tetrasulfide (Si69)-modified G-IOT (Si69-G-IOT) loading levels on the cure characteristics, static mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were also explored in this paper. The grinding and modification mechanism of IOTs and the combination of filler and SBR matrix were explored by grinding simulation of population balance model, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that when grinding IOTs at 2000 r/min for 150 min, the particle size distribution of the resulting G-IOTs was the narrowest, with a D90 value of 4.42 μm. The tensile strength and elongation at break of SBR filled with 120 phr Si69-G-IOT were 14.97 MPa and 596.36%, respectively.

Improved thermal conductivity and mechanical property of mercapto group-activated boron nitride/elastomer composites for thermal management

Ionic liquid 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride was employed to promote the exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride (BN) to fabricate the boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs). The BNNSs were then surface activated by covalently attaching mercapto groups on their surfaces. The surface-activated BNNS nanoparticles (S@BNNSs) were incorporated in a carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber matrix for preparing thermal management materials. The developed material was provided with superior mechanical properties, satisfied thermal conductivity and strong storage modulus attributing to the two-dimensional structure of the filler and the enhanced interfacial interaction between the filler and matrix. The filler-filler and filler-matrix networks in the composite system were comprehensively analyzed. The thermal management applications were also demonstrated using an infrared camera and a commercial thermoelectric generator. All the performances demonstrated their potential use as thermal management materials in electronic devices.