Elastomer/Graphene Composites for Reinforcement at Low Strain

本项目旨在通过设计和制备石墨烯前驱体来开发新的弹性体/石墨烯复合材料，该前驱体可以在与弹性体熔融复合时转变为石墨烯片层。这些片材与弹性体具有可调的表面亲和力，可在弹性体中实现预期的分散，从而在低应变下进行有效的增强。工业中的主要填料--炭黑--在低应变下是无效的。预计这些成果将改变目前橡胶产品在农业、汽车、建筑、医疗和采矿行业中的应用实践。

This project aims to develop new elastomer/graphene composites by designing and fabricating graphene precursors which can transform into graphene sheets during melt compounding with elastomers. These sheets have tunable surface affinity with elastomers, to attain expected dispersion in elastomers for effective reinforcement at low strain. The dominant filler in industry – carbon black – is ineffective at low strain. The outcomes are anticipated to transform the current manufacturing practice of rubber products for applications in agricultural, automobile, construction, medical and mining industries.