Synergistic effect of graphite nanoplatelets and carbon black in multifunctional EPDM nanocomposites

TL;DR

This study develops multifunctional EPDM nanocomposites using graphite nanoplatelets and carbon black, demonstrating synergistic effects that enhance mechanical, thermal, and shock-absorbing properties through optimized filler ratios.

Contribution

It introduces a processing method for hybrid composites with improved multifunctionality, highlighting the synergistic effects of GNPs and CB in EPDM rubber.

Findings

Optimal GNPs/CB ratio reduces interlayer forces

Enhanced mechanical reinforcement observed

Improved thermal conductivity and shock absorption

Abstract

In this paper we adopt a processing technology to develop elastomer plus nano-graphite hybrid composites with multifunctional properties. Beyond the improvements of the mechanical properties, the research findings demonstrate the synergistic effect of carbon black and graphite nanoplatelets to prepare rubber composite thermally conductive and to design a new class of shock absorbers. It was found that a critical GNPs/CB ratio was apt to reduce the strong interlayer forces among the GNPs sheets, which led to the efficiency on reinforcement in mechanical properties and improvements of the performance of the rubber composites.