Study on modified graphene/butyl rubber nanocomposites. I. Preparation and characterization

Butyl rubber, IIR nanocomposites based on modified graphene sheets, were fabricated by solution processing followed by compression molding. MG was prepared from natural graphite, NG through graphite oxide route. X-ray diffraction showed that the exfoliated MG was homogeneously dispersed in the IIR matrix with doping levels of 1-10 wt% as evidenced by the lack of the characteristic graphite reflection in the composites. In contrast, the graphite retained its stacking order and showed the sharp characteristic peak in the NG-IIR composites. Scanning electron microscope images of the fracture surfaces of the IIR matrix showed that MG nanofillers exhibited better compatibility than NG did. The mechanical properties of the MG-IIR nanocomposites were significantly improved due to the efficient distribution of the large surface area MG sheet. The tensile modulus of nanocomposite with doping level of MG 10 wt% was 16 times that of the pure IIR. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers