Toughening rubbers with a hybrid filler network of graphene and carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Unfilled rubbers usually show poor mechanical properties. Here, we demonstrate toughening natural rubber (NR) by designing a compact hybrid filler network composed of graphene (GE) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The physical interactions in this network have a bond energy lower than covalent bonds; and thus they preferentially break upon deformation and serve as sacrificial bonds that dissipate energy before failure of the materials. The high energy dissipation of the hybrid filler network not only increases the fracture toughness and tensile strength, but also suppresses the crack growth of the NR/ GE/CNT nanocomposites. These properties will provide the nanocomposites with better sustainability during practical applications.

Towards a Supertough Thermoplastic Polyisoprene Elastomer Based on a Biomimic Strategy

“…[5] Ty pically,the w-terminal of natural rubber consists of non-covalently connected proteins and a-terminal consists of phospholipids.Each polar terminal contributed to mechanical performance with specific way. All these parameters are comparable with vulcanized natural rubber, [9] representing ab ig step in recyclable high performance polyisoprene rubbers.First, terminal functionality of diene polymers could be obtained by mimicking the structure of the natural rubber chain. However, this approach is rarely adopted mainly due to lack of suitable synthetic methods.A nd successful mimic of terminal struc-ture and functionality of natural rubber will deepen our understanding on high performance diene rubbers.…”

“…To solve this problem, malleable materials such as thermoplastic rubbers or thermosets with covalent dynamic networks [7] could be alternative options.T ypical thermoplastic rubber such as SBS does not possess the self-reinforcement properties.R ubber with ad ual-dynamic network design was made by Guo and his co-workers to achieve high mechanical performance with self-healing capability, [8] but the SIC peaks were weak even at high strain. All these parameters are comparable with vulcanized natural rubber, [9] representing ab ig step in recyclable high performance polyisoprene rubbers. [7] Therefore,amalleable high-performance polyisoprene is highly desirable,w hich not only require control of microstructures of polyisoprene but also an efficient reversible crosslinking approach that could maximum the mechanical properties of rubbers without sacrificing their intrinsic properties.H erein, at ough thermoplastic polyisoprene elastomer B-4A-PIP was made by biomimicking the structure of natural rubber.I ts howed strong tensile strength (15.0 MPa) and toughness (46.3 MJ m À3 )a nd high stretchability (890 %) with ar emarkable level of SIC (crystallinity index = 17 %).…”

“…[7] Therefore,amalleable high-performance polyisoprene is highly desirable,w hich not only require control of microstructures of polyisoprene but also an efficient reversible crosslinking approach that could maximum the mechanical properties of rubbers without sacrificing their intrinsic properties.H erein, at ough thermoplastic polyisoprene elastomer B-4A-PIP was made by biomimicking the structure of natural rubber.I ts howed strong tensile strength (15.0 MPa) and toughness (46.3 MJ m À3 )a nd high stretchability (890 %) with ar emarkable level of SIC (crystallinity index = 17 %). All these parameters are comparable with vulcanized natural rubber, [9] representing ab ig step in recyclable high performance polyisoprene rubbers.First, terminal functionality of diene polymers could be obtained by mimicking the structure of the natural rubber chain. Previously reported copolymerization between diene and polar monomers by anionic [10] or free-radical [11] polymerization techniques only have limited control over regio-and stereo-selectivity.B ut SIC behavior of polyisoprene requires ah igh cis content and high molecular weight.…”

Dodecylbenzene‐modified graphite oxide via π‐π interaction to reinforce EPDM

“…Yin built a π‐cation sacrificial bond in styrene‐butadiene rubber/graphene, which improved the toughness of rubber materials. Li constructed sacrificial bond in graphene/carbon nanotubes/natural rubber. The performance improvement of the composites was also realized.…”

Nanocavitation in silica filled styrene‐butadiene rubber regulated by varying silica‐rubber interfacial bonding

“…Widespread interest in rubber nanocomposites has been fueled by their promise of extraordinary mechanical performance, which encouraged a great deal of effort being devoted to understanding the reinforcing mechanism of nanoparticles. Notably, interfacial interactions between nanoparticles and polymer matrix are always considered to be of vital importance, and the properties of rubber materials can be well tailored by adding nanoparticles of varying interfacial strength to suit the application concerned .…”