Mechanical performance of composites reinforced with carbon black and different types of graphitic nanofillers for different applications

Abstract

The piezo-electric energy harvesting devices based on rubber composites have attracted great attention in the field of flexible electronics. These devices have the ability to provide a voltage of ∼0.5 V when subjected to mechanical strain. In this work, carbon allotropes nanofillers were used to reinforce the room-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV-SR). The nanofillers added to the rubber matrix were found to improve the compressive modulus, tensile strength, fracture strain, and tensile modulus. For example, the compressive modulus was 1.29 MPa (Virgin) and improved to 1.4 MPa (graphene), 2.3 MPa (CB), 2.2 MPa (CB–graphite hybrid), 2.17 MPa (CB–Nano graphite hybrid), and finally 2.19 MPa (CB–graphene hybrid). Similarly, the fracture strain was 146% (Virgin) and improved to 149% (graphene), 156% (CB), 160% (CB–graphite hybrid), 151% (CB–Nano graphite hybrid), and lastly 178% (CB–graphene hybrid). Moreover, the effect of three different diameters of loading tips is used for voltage production. More areas of deformation during energy harvesting can be able to produce higher voltage output. For example, a 21 mm tip can produce higher energy output than 7 mm and 14 mm. In the end, it was found that formation of cracks in the electrode while repeated loading causes a reduction in voltage output.

Graphene-Based Hybrid Fillers for Rubber Composites

“…Therefore, rubber composites reinforced with graphene (graphene derivatives) and CB (GE/CB) hybrid fillers have been widely studied as rubber materials. The addition of graphene or graphene derivatives to a CB rubber matrix not only improves the thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, fatigue, and various properties of rubber composites but also expands their application scope [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ].…”

Glycerol-treated polypropylene/carbon black nanocomposites: Analysis of electrical, rheological, thermal and mechanical properties

“…The strong interaction between polymer and CB nanoparticles can improve the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. [18][19][20] However, a considerable amount of CB is needed to achieve high levels of electrical conductivity. Therefore, the incorporation of high contents of CB nanofiller can adversely influence the viscosity and mechanical properties, leading to challenges and limitations for industrial manufacturing.…”