Preparation of nano‐zinc oxide/EPDM composites with both good thermal conductivity and mechanical properties

Abstract

In this article, nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) filled ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites are prepared, and the mechanical (static and dynamic) properties and thermal conductivity are investigated respectively, which are further compared with the traditional reinforcing fillers, such as carbon black and nanosilica. Furthermore, influence of in-situ modification (mixing operation assisted by silane at high temperature for a certain time) with the silane-coupling agent Bis-(3-thiethoxy silylpropyl)-tetrasufide (Si69) on the nano-ZnO filled composites is as well investigated. The results indicate that this novel reinforcing filler nano-ZnO can not only perform well in reinforcing EPDM but can also improve the thermal conductivity significantly. In-situ modification with Si69 can enhance the interfacial interaction between nano-ZnO particles and rubber matrix remarkably, and therefore contribute to the better dispersion of filler. As a result, the mechanical properties and the dynamic heat build-up of the nano-ZnO filled composites are improved obviously by in-situ modification, without influencing the thermal conductivity. In comparison with traditioanl reinforcing fillers, in-situ modified nano-ZnO filled composites exhibit the excellent performance in both mechanical (static and dynamic) properties and better thermal conductivity. In general, our work indicates that nano-ZnO, as the novel thermal conductive reinforcing filler, is suitable to prepare elastomer products serving in dynamic conditions, with the longer expected service life.

Surface modification of sol–gel derived nano zinc oxide (ZnO) and the study of its effect on the properties of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites

“…The peaks at about 2,977 and 2,926 cm -1 represent the existence of methylene and methyl group, respectively [24]. Furthermore, the appearance of the peak at about 1,090 cm -1 is due to the formation of silicon-oxygen bond present in the Si-69-treated nano ZnO [24]. This resulting peak confirms that chemical reaction occurs between nano ZnO and Si-69 during surface treatment.…”

“…Figure 3c shows the IR spectrum of Si-69-treated nano ZnO. The peaks at about 2,977 and 2,926 cm -1 represent the existence of methylene and methyl group, respectively [24]. Furthermore, the appearance of the peak at about 1,090 cm -1 is due to the formation of silicon-oxygen bond present in the Si-69-treated nano ZnO [24].…”

A review on thermally conductive polymeric composites: classification, measurement, model and equations, mechanism and fabrication methods

“…Wang et al [165] prepared ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites filled with nanoZnO fillers. The maximum λ value of the nano-ZnO/EPDM composite with 210 phr nano-ZnO was up to 0.386 W/mK.…”

Effect of high loading of titanium dioxide particles on the morphology, mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of the natural rubber-based composites

“…However, rubber usually works in the dynamic conditions, but the rubber products possess a low-thermal conductivity which causes local generation and accumulation of heat. This problem can be also solved by adding fillers, such as stainless steel fiber, nano-zinc oxide [29], and carbon nanotubes [30] that enhance the thermal conductivity of the final materials.…”