Silicone rubber nanocomposites: Optimal graphene dosing for mechanical and electrical enhancements

• Published in: Journal of materials research and technology Vol. 33; pp. 5543 - 5550
• Main Authors: Deore, Vishal, Mahajan, Milinda, Siva, I., Shinde, Avinash, Waghmare, Smita, Dol, Sharul Sham, Ahmad, K.A., Sultan, Mohamed Thariq Hameed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.11.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Copper oxide (CuO); Graphene; Mechanical properties; Silicon rubber (SR); Silicon rubber (SR); Mechanical properties; Copper oxide (CuO); Graphene
• ISSN: 2238-7854
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.10.206

The combination of lightweight, durable, and flexible elastomer nanocomposites presents a unique set of features that make them highly promising for a range of several engineering applications. Present work investigates the performance of the mechanical and electrical characteristics of a nanocomposite produced by combining silicon rubber (SR) with nano-Graphene, copper oxide (CuO). Two roll mixing followed by compression moulding is used to manufacture different configurations of Graphene/CuO/SR nano composite. Nano composites specimens are fabricated with 1, 2, 4, and 8 wt % of graphene with fixed 1 % CuO. There has been a discernible improvement of 146.52 % in the mechanical properties and 18.1 % in electrical performance. This improvement is supported by the FESEM morphological analysis of fractured surfaces. It has been observed that the optimized loading of 8 wt % of Graphene gives the best performance. The strong interfacial interaction between the Graphene/CuO and SR is responsible for the performance gain. [Display omitted] •Examining Silicon Rubber (SR) Composites using Graphene and CuO fillers.•Silicon Rubber Nano-composites were manufactured with melt blending method.•Mechanical and electric properties are marginal improved by nano filler weight %.•Performance attributed to strong interfacial interaction between fillers and SR.•This study demonstrates potential engineering applications for SR composites.