Highly stretchable silicone rubber nanocomposites incorporated with oleic acid‐modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles

Abstract

Silicone rubber composites have attracted wide attention due to their excellent thermal stability and climate resistance. However, it is still a challenge to synthesize these composites with high tensile property without external stimulation. Meanwhile, incorporation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to fabricate magnetic nanocomposites have a broad application prospect. In the present work, aiming to improve the mechanical and magnetic properties of the silicone rubber composite, fumed silica and different content of oleic acid‐modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles are well dispersed in the silicone rubber matrix. The synthesized nanocomposites exhibit excellent thermal stability, superelasticity, superparamagnetic property, and sensitive magnetic response. In particular, a high elongation at break of 1931%, a low storage modulus of 0.56 MPa and a deflection of 27 mm under an applied magnetic field of 1.31 Oe are obtained in the silicone rubber nanocomposite. The present work provides a feasible way to prepare silicone rubber matrix nanocomposites with excellent mechanical and magnetic performance.

Al@SiO2 Core–Shell Fillers Enhance Dielectric Properties of Silicone Composites

“…Dielectric elastomers have attracted growing research interest due to their numerous benefits, including high mechanical strength, low weight, affordability, quick response, high strain, excellent flexibility, and high energy density. As a result, they are ideal for use in actuators, generators, and sensors. − Silicone rubber is one of the most commonly used materials for dielectric elastomer actuators due to its wide temperature range, good weather resistance, high efficiency, low toxicity, good shear stability, and insensitivity to air humidity. , However, the applications of silicone rubber are limited due to its low dielectric constant (2.5–3.0@1 kHz). , To enhance the dielectric constant of silicone rubbers used in dielectric elastomers, researchers have employed several methods, including chemical modification of polysiloxane, − incorporation of high dielectric constant inorganic nanofillers into the silicone rubber matrix, − and adding conductive nanofillers to the matrix of silicone rubber. − However, chemical modification involves cumbersome synthesis steps, high cost, and reduces the temperature range of the polymer. , When inorganic fillers are added to silicone rubber to increase its dielectric constant, there is a trade-off in the form of an increase in the elastic modulus, which is detrimental to the actuating performance of the material . Incorporating conductive fillers into silicone rubber below the percolation threshold can significantly improve the composite’s dielectric constant without compromising the rubber’s elasticity .…”

“… 5 , 6 However, the applications of silicone rubber are limited due to its low dielectric constant (2.5–3.0@1 kHz). 7 , 8 To enhance the dielectric constant of silicone rubbers used in dielectric elastomers, researchers have employed several methods, including chemical modification of polysiloxane, 9 − 11 incorporation of high dielectric constant inorganic nanofillers into the silicone rubber matrix, 12 − 16 and adding conductive nanofillers to the matrix of silicone rubber. 17 − 19 However, chemical modification involves cumbersome synthesis steps, high cost, and reduces the temperature range of the polymer.…”

Effects of metal oxides on the dielectric and mechanical properties of silicone rubber composites

“…A number of researchers have also investigated the impacts of other inorganic fillers. [20][21][22][23] Stiubianu et al incorporated chemically modified lignin into silicone rubber in order to produce an elastomer material with a decreased Young's modulus and an increased permittivity. 24 Skov et al combined ZnO with silicone rubber and yielded a modest improvement in the dielectric properties of the composite.…”

“…These fillers effectively raise the permittivity of silicone rubber, although often at the expense of increased Young's modulus and reduced electrical breakdown strength. A number of researchers have also investigated the impacts of other inorganic fillers 20–23 . Stiubianu et al incorporated chemically modified lignin into silicone rubber in order to produce an elastomer material with a decreased Young's modulus and an increased permittivity 24 .…”