Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Rubber Compounds

In this work, we evaluated the processing and reinforcement characteristics of both carbon black (CB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) matrix. The aspect ratio of the GNPs was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and related to the dispersion and aggl...

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Main Authors: James R. Innes, Robert J. Young, Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-03-01
Series:Polymers
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/6/1204
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author James R. Innes
Robert J. Young
Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou
author_facet James R. Innes
Robert J. Young
Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou
author_sort James R. Innes
collection DOAJ
description In this work, we evaluated the processing and reinforcement characteristics of both carbon black (CB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) matrix. The aspect ratio of the GNPs was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and related to the dispersion and agglomeration within the NBR matrix, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The relationship between GNP aspect ratio and mechanical properties was studied by micromechanical modelling. The tensile and tear properties of NBR after compounding with GNPs were enhanced to a greater extent compared to carbon black, while curing times were smaller and scorch times longer, indicating some of the advantages of using GNPs. Overall, the inherent properties of GNPs along with their geometry led to the production of better-performing rubber compounds that can replace their CB-filled counterparts in applications where flexibility, tear strength and compliance are important. The influence of processing on dispersion, orientation and agglomeration of flakes was also highlighted with respect to the Young’s modulus of the NBR compounds.
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spelling doaj.art-c04cf6880d8b410aa7266899ec70e1602023-11-30T22:03:59ZengMDPI AGPolymers2073-43602022-03-01146120410.3390/polym14061204Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Rubber CompoundsJames R. Innes0Robert J. Young1Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou2Polymer IRC, Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, UKNational Graphene Institute, Henry Royce Institute and Department of Materials, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UKNational Graphene Institute, Henry Royce Institute and Department of Materials, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UKIn this work, we evaluated the processing and reinforcement characteristics of both carbon black (CB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) matrix. The aspect ratio of the GNPs was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and related to the dispersion and agglomeration within the NBR matrix, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The relationship between GNP aspect ratio and mechanical properties was studied by micromechanical modelling. The tensile and tear properties of NBR after compounding with GNPs were enhanced to a greater extent compared to carbon black, while curing times were smaller and scorch times longer, indicating some of the advantages of using GNPs. Overall, the inherent properties of GNPs along with their geometry led to the production of better-performing rubber compounds that can replace their CB-filled counterparts in applications where flexibility, tear strength and compliance are important. The influence of processing on dispersion, orientation and agglomeration of flakes was also highlighted with respect to the Young’s modulus of the NBR compounds.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/6/1204nitrile butadiene rubbergraphene nanoplateletsmicromechanicscarbon black
spellingShingle James R. Innes
Robert J. Young
Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou
Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Rubber Compounds
Polymers
nitrile butadiene rubber
graphene nanoplatelets
micromechanics
carbon black
title Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Rubber Compounds
title_full Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Rubber Compounds
title_fullStr Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Rubber Compounds
title_full_unstemmed Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Rubber Compounds
title_short Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Rubber Compounds
title_sort graphene nanoplatelets as a replacement for carbon black in rubber compounds
topic nitrile butadiene rubber
graphene nanoplatelets
micromechanics
carbon black
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/6/1204
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