Cover Picture: Macromol. Mater. Eng. 12/2014

Abstract

Cover: Different types of graphite and functionalized graphene nanofillers are incorporated into styrene‐butadienerubber (SBR) to achieve various mechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposites. By tailoring the morphology and functionality of the filler, increased stiffness as well as increased strain of the graphene‐filled rubber are only two options reachable. Further details can be found in the article by F. Beckert, S. Trenkle, R. Thomann, and R. Mülhaupt* http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/mame.201400205.

Effect of the C/O ratio in graphene oxide materials on the reinforcement of epoxy‐based nanocomposites

“…As an alternative, the use of thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) materials to reinforce polymer nanocomposites has recently started to be exploited. Low loadings of TRGO have been observed to impart significant reinforcements in both bisphenol E based polycyanurate nanocomposites, and in styrene‐butadiene rubber composites . Improvements in the dispersion, physical and mechanical properties were observed for TRGO/natural rubber nanocomposites using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as ionic, and Pluronic F 127 as non‐ionic surfactants .…”

“…Low loadings of TRGO have been observed to impart significant reinforcements in both bisphenol E based polycyanurate nanocomposites, 12 and in styrene-butadiene rubber composites. 13 Improvements in the dispersion, physical and mechanical properties were observed for TRGO/natural rubber nanocomposites using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as ionic, and Pluronic F 127 as non-ionic surfactants. 14 TRGO has also been used in the melt compounding of thermoplastics such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide 6, and SAN, 15 leading to good levels of reinforcement.…”

Mechanochemical Routes to Functionalized Graphene Nanofillers Tuned for Lightweight Carbon/Hydrocarbon Composites

“…[140] Although the aspect ratio of edge-carboxylated MFG was considerably lower with respect to that of TRGO, it was successfully used as nanofiller styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) exhibiting simultaneously improved tear strength and elongation of break. [137] As is illustrated in Figure 4, the comparison of morphology development, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties as well as swelling behavior revealed that SBR/MFG composites are competitive with respect to SBR/TRGO composites although MFG comprises graphene stacks and only small amounts of single-and few-layer graphene.…”

“…As compared to thermally reduced graphite oxide (TRGO), N ‐doped graphene sheets obtained by dry ball‐milling graphite under nitrogen as well as multilayer graphene derived from graphite intercalates represent more cost efficient carbon nanofillers for epoxy composites exhibiting improved mechanical and electrical properties . Although the aspect ratio of edge‐carboxylated MFG was considerably lower with respect to that of TRGO, it was successfully used as nanofiller styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) exhibiting simultaneously improved tear strength and elongation of break . As is illustrated in Figure , the comparison of morphology development, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties as well as swelling behavior revealed that SBR/MFG composites are competitive with respect to SBR/TRGO composites although MFG comprises graphene stacks and only small amounts of single‐ and few‐layer graphene.…”

Effect of SiO2 surface modification on the filler‐reinforced interfaces in SiO2‐filled functional styrene butadiene rubber composites

“…26,27 Several studies have shown that polymer functionalization can improve dispersion between polymers and fillers, demonstrating the performance of tires and reducing their rolling resistance. [27][28][29][30][31] The relation between functional polymers and fillers depends on the type, such as carbonyl (>C O), silanol R-Si(OH) 3, hydroxyl ( OH) and carboxyl ( COOH), 26,32 position (backbone or chain end) and the number of functional groups present in polymers, more the functional groups, greater the rubber-filler dispersion. 12,33,34 However, the reaction between silica and silane coupling agent is a critical factor that can profoundly affect the performance of tire treads, as different functional groups may exhibit variable reaction rates with silica.…”