Gaining considerable attention as valuable plastic static-dissipative materials, conductive polymer blends are used as supercapacitors, light emitting diodes, artificial muscles and biosensors. Thermoplastic vulcanizates (PECVs) were prepared by blending ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic via in-situ compatibilization technique by using a suitable compatibilizer and curing system. Electrically conducting graphene filler was incorporated into the blend to impart electroconducting properties. Maintaining a constant PP/EPDM ratio of 80:20 for all specimens, PECVs containing different loadings of graphene filler were prepared through in-situ compatibilization method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed to investigate chemical changes ensued as a result of compatibilization reactions. Addition of graphene into the blended PECVs slightly improved their processability and thermally stable as confirmed by tests performed on Differential Scanning Calorimetery and Thermogravimetric Analyser. Mechanical aspects of the blends, inspected by operating Universal Testing Machine and Rockwell Hardness Tester, were substantially improved on account of blend compatibilization and addition of graphene. Their electrical properties measured through four-probe technique revealed significant improvement in electrical conductivity of compatibilized PECVs due to incorporation of graphene filler.
ChenYXuCCaoL, et al.Structure and properties of peroxide dynamically vulcanized polypropylene/ethylene – propylene – diene/zinc dimethacrylate composites. Polym Compos2012; 33(7): 1206–1214. DOI: 10.1002/pc.22250
3.
SarrionandiaMAurrekoetxeaJArosteguiA. Structure and mechanical properties of a talc-filled polypropylene/ethylene-propylene-diene composite after reprocessing in the melt state. Appl Polym Sci2009; 114(2): 1195–1201. DOI: 10.1002/app.30080
4.
NaskarKNoordermeerJWM. Dynamically vulcanized PP/EPDM blends: multifunctional peroxides as crosslinking agents – Part I”. Rubber Chem Technol2004; 77(5): 955–971. DOI: 10.5254/1.3547862
5.
MagioliMSirqueiraASSoaresBG. The effect of dynamic vulcanization on the mechanical , dynamic mechanical and fatigue properties of TPV based on polypropylene and ground tire rubber. Polym Test2010; 29(7): 840–848. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2010.07.008
6.
CaiZXiongHZhuZ, et al.Electrochemical synthesis of graphene/polypyrrole nanotube composites for multifunctional applications. Synth Met2017; 227: 100–105. DOI: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2017.03.012
7.
WuXLianM. Highly flexible solid-state supercapacitor based on graphene/polypyrrole hydrogel. J Power Sources2017; 362: 184–191. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2017.07.042
8.
LiuYXiongHYuX, et al.Interfacial fabrication of polypyrrole/sulfonated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for electrochemical capacitors. Polym Compos2017; 39: E378–E385. DOI: 10.1002/pc.24458
SarfrazM. Upgrading electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties of CNTs/polybond; nanocomposites: pursuit of electroconductive structural polymer nanocomplexes. Int J Polym Sci2016; 2016: 1–8. DOI: 10.1155/2016/2396817
11.
SarfrazM. Quest for electroconducting structural polymers: CNTs/Polybond nanocomposites with improved electrical and mechanical properties. J Polym Eng2017; 37(6): 599–606.
12.
CoranAYPatelR. Rubber-thermoplastic compositions. Part I. EPDM polypropylene thermoplastic vulcanizates. Rubber Chem Technol1980; 53(1): 141–150.
13.
MargolisJ. Conductive polymers and plastics. New York, NY: Springer US, 2012.
14.
MariaDAirineiAHomocianuM, et al.Structural characteristics of some high density polyethylene/EPDM blends. Polym Test2013; 32: 187–196. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2012.10.010
15.
RapraTL. TPE 2004: seventh international conference on thermoplastic elastomers. TPEs Conference Proceedings, Brussels, Belgium, 15th-16th September 2001. Brussels, Belgium: Rapra Technology Limited, 2001, 1, pp. 1–210.
16.
InoueTSvobodaP. Structure-Properties of PP-EPDM Thermoplastic Elastomer: Origin of Strain Recovery. ANTEC 2000 Conference proceedings, Orlando, Florida, 7th-11th May 2000. Florida: ANTEC, 2000, ser. No. 46, pp. 1676–1679.
17.
TangHEhlertGJLinY, et al.Highly efficient synthesis of graphene nanocomposites. Nano Lett2012; 12(1): 84–90.
18.
ThompsonABianchiOAmorimCL, et al.Uniaxial compression and stretching deformation of an i-PP/EPDM/organoclay nanocomposite. Polymer (Guildf)2011; 52(4): 1037–1044. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2011.01.005
DuJChengH. The fabrication, properties, and uses of graphene/polymer composites. Macromol Chem Phys2021; 213: 1060–1077. DOI: 10.1002/macp.201200029.
21.
KeKWangYLuoY, et al.Composites: Part B Evolution of agglomerate structure of carbon nanotubes in multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polymer composite melt : a rheo-electrical study. Compos B2012; 43(8): 3281–3287. DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.02.011
22.
TianHTianMZouH, et al.Special electrical conductivity of carbon black-filled two-phased thermoplastic vulcanizates. J Appl Polym Sci2010; 117: 691–699. DOI: 10.1002/app.
23.
AsthanaAMaitraTTiwariMK, et al.Multifunctional superhydrophobic polymer/carbon nanocomposites: graphene, carbon nanotubes, or carbon black?ACS Appl Mater Interfaces2014; 6: 11.
24.
SabziMJiangLLiuF, et al.Graphene nanoplatelets as poly(lactic acid) modifier: linear rheological behavior and electrical conductivity. J Mater Chem A, 2013; 1: 8253. DOI: 10.1039/c3ta11021d
25.
KuilaTBoseSKumarA, et al.Effect of functionalized graphene on the physical properties of linear low density polyethylene nanocomposites. Polym Test2012; 31(1): 31–38. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2011.09.007
26.
JurewiczKDelpeuxSBertagnaV, et al.Supercapacitors from nanotubes/polypyrrole composites. Chem Phys Lett2001; 347(October): 36–40.
KamalMSMamoorGMQamarN, et al.Free radical graft mdification of polyethylene with methacrylic acid and styrene monomer. Chem Eng Res Bull2011; 15: 34–38. DOI: 10.1007/s00289-018-2482-z
29.
Abdel-AalNEl-tantawyFBououdinaM. New antistatic charge and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness from conductive epoxy resin. Polym Compos2008; 29(2): 125–132. DOI: 10.1002/pc.20334
30.
ChemJMWuHZhaoW, et al.One-step in situ ball milling synthesis of polymer-functionalized graphene nanocomposites. J Mater Chem. 21(24): 8626–8632. DOI: 10.1039/c1jm10819k
31.
NaderiGLafleurPGDuboisC. Microstructure-properties correlations in dynamically vulcanized nanocomposite thermoplastic elastomers based on PP/EPDM. Polym Eng Sci2007; 47(3): 207–217. DOI: 10.1002/pen.20673
32.
LitvinovVM. EPDM/PP thermoplastic vulcanizates as studied by proton NMR relaxation: phase composition, molecular mobility, network structure in the rubbery phase, and network heterogeneity. Macromolecules2006; 39: 8727–8741.
33.
NaderiGLafleurPGDuboisC. The influence of matrix viscosity and composition on the morphology, rheology, and mechanical properties of thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites based on EPDM//PP. Polym Compos2008; 29(12): 1301–1309. DOI: 10.1002/pc.20495
34.
BaiHWangYSongBO, et al.Effects of nucleating agents on microstructure and fracture toughness of poly(propylene)/ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer blends. Polym Compos2009; 29(12): 19–26. DOI: 10.1002/polb.21612
FrounchiMDadbinSSalehpourZ, et al.Gas barrier properties of PP/EPDM blend nanocomposites. J Membr Sci2006; 282: 142–148. DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2006.05.016
37.
LouJ. Thermal and mechanical properties of EPDM/PP + thermal shock-resistant ceramic composites. J Mater Sci2011; 46(8): 2445–2455. DOI: 10.1007/s10853-010-5091-2
38.
EdmondsonMSJrForteMMC. Crystallization kinetic and morphology study of dynamically vulcanizated PP-EPDM blends. Anais do 7o Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros No, 2014.
39.
ChenYXuCCaoL, et al.Material properties PP/EPDM-based dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic ole fi n with zinc dimethacrylate: preparation, rheology, morphology, crystallization and mechanical properties. Polym Test2012; 31(6): 728–736. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2012.05.010
40.
GeorgeSVarugheseKTThomasS. Thermal and crystallisation behaviour of isotactic polypropylene/nitrile rubber blends. Polymer2000; 41: 5485–5503.
41.
GoharpeyFKatbabAANazockdastH. Mechanism of morphology development in dynamically cured EPDM/PP TPEs: effects of state of cure. J Appl Polym Sci2000; 81: 2531–2544.
