Carbon Nanotubes as Reinforcing Nanomaterials for Rubbers Used in Electronics

Abstract

The field of electronics involves complex systems where the active and passive electronic devices are integrated on the rubber substrate, e.g., silicone (Q), which provides, through potting, a strong assembly of these devices on the circuit board. Several other rubbers are employed in the field to strengthen, insulate and seal the components of the electronic machines and instruments, and therefore protect them against damage. These rubbers are typically strengthened and toughened using carbon black (CB). However, due to its noticeable drawbacks, recent research in the field of rubber and electronics has suggested the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as alternative reinforcing fillers to produce electronics rubber composites that do not only have enhanced electrical conductiv¬ity, thermal stability, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, weatherability and insulation properties, but also offer outstanding stretchability, bendability and tear strength under frequent elastic deformation. These performances are similar for both single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in both the functional and structural composites. Although SWCNTs can result in relatively better homogeneity than MWCNTs, most rubbers often constitute MWCNTs because they are relatively cheaper. The great potential of rubber-CNTs composites being extensively used in the field of electronics is explored in this chapter.