Functionalized graphene-reinforced rubber composite: Mechanical and tribological behavior study

A functionalized graphene, fluorinated graphene nanosheets (FGS), and SiO 2 nanoparticles as reinforcing fillers were employed to improve the mechanical properties of the solution styrene butadiene and butadiene rubber composites (SSBR-BR). The results showed that the mechanical properties of SSBR-BR composite filled with FGS were substantially improved than those of the unfilled and equivalent filler loaded graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) filled SSBR-BR composites. It can be ascribed to the fact that the hydrophobic surface of FGS can be endowed the good dispersion in rubber matrix and stronger interfacial interaction between rubber and fillers. The tribological properties of these composites are also investigated. The results reveal that incorporation of GO, rGO, and FGS in SSBR-BR composites can decrease antiwear properties because the existence of layered graphene promotes to tear and peel off. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 44970.