Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/silicone rubber nanocomposites prepared by high shear mechanical mixing

Abstract

MWCNTs reinforced SiR nanocomposites were prepared through a high-shear mechanical mixing technique, using DCP as a curing agent. Under optimum conditions, the MWCNTs can be dispersed homogeneously in the SiR matrix to improve the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness were evaluated. In addition, the degree of crystallinity and the supercooling were calculated to characterize the crystallization behavior. From DSC study, it has been determined that the degree of crystallinity X_c and the super cooling ΔT, generally characterize the crystallization behavior of the nanocomposites. A decrease in X_c and ΔT indicate that the crystallization rate of the nanococomposites is increased. After pyrolysis, with the increase of CNT content, the decomposition rate or/and the weight loss of the nanocomposites decreased. The dispersion of carbon nanotubes in silicone rubber was characterized by using SEM. Finally, the effect of carbon nanotubes loading on electrical, thermal conductivity, and the Payne effect was also investigated.