Effect of Modified Nanographene Oxide on the Mechanical and Swelling Properties of Silicone Rubber Nanocomposites
V. Aravinth, G. Gurumoorthi, S. Vishvanathperumal, V. Navaneethakrishnan
Abstract
Nanocomposites were created by using nanographene oxide (GO) as a reinforcing filler into silicone rubber and evaluating the materials’ mechanical and abrasion resistance properties. GO was treated with 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), then mixed with phenyl silicone rubber (PSR) at different concentrations (2-10 phr) and vulcanised. It was investigated the impact of MDI modified GO concentration on the morphology of PSR nanocomposites. The swelling properties of silicone rubber/MDI modified GO nanocomposites were also investigated in relation to penetrants (aromatic, aliphatic, and chlorinated solvents) and nanofiller concentrations (0-10 phr). Due to greater dispersion and reinforcing impact, mechanical parameters (tensile strength and modulus), and swelling resistance of silicone nanocomposites improve with MDI-GO concentration. The rate of rise is constant up to a concentration of 6 phr MDI-GO, after which it drops, confirming the formation of agglomeration. The MDI modification of GO improves the dispersion of MDI-GO in silicone rubber considerably, according to FESEM analysis. Because of its strong contact with the polymer matrix, GO serves as reinforcement. This research expands the range of applications for GO in the silicone rubber sector.