Multilayer graphene/chlorine-isobutene-isoprene rubber nanocomposites: the effect of dispersion

Multilayer graphene (MLG) is composed of approximately 10 sheets of graphene. It is a promising nanofiller just starting to become commercially available. The dispersion of the nanofiller is essential to exploit the properties of the nanocomposites and is dependent on the preparation method. In this study, direct incorporation of 3 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) MLG into chlorine-isobutene-isoprene rubber (CIIR) on a two-roll mill did not result in substantial enhancement of the material properties. In contrast, by pre-mixing the MLG (3 phr) with CIIR using an ultrasonically assisted solution mixing procedure followed by two-roll milling, the properties (rheological, curing, and mechanical) were improved substantially compared with the MLG/CIIR nanocomposites mixed only on the mill. The Young's moduli of the nanocomposites mixed in solution increased by 38%. The CIIR/MLG nanocomposites produced via solution showed superior durability against weathering exposure. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.