Achieving Superior Performance of Graphene/Rubber Composites Through Interfacial Modification With Epoxidized Natural Rubber

Graphene is an excellent filler for natural rubber (NR) with its unique properties. However, how to improve the reinforcing effect of graphene and at the same time go green was still a great challenge. Herein, an effective green method was proposed by selecting ENR synthesized in situ as a functionalized modifier of GO, and then EGO/NR composites were produced by blending ENR/GO (EGO) with NR in the aqueous phase. The ENR as an interfacial modifier improved the polarity difference between GO and NR, which achieved a good bonding between GO and NR in the latex stage, reduced GO agglomeration, and excellent water dispersibility. In addition, the carbon-carbon double bond contained in ENR could participate in cross-linking, which enhanced the interfacial interaction between GO and rubber macromolecules. Thanks to the excellent dispersion of GO and the interfacial interaction with NR, the prepared EGO/NR composites have high comprehensive performance. When the epoxy degree of ENR was 20%, the tensile strength and tear strength of the EGO/NR composites were increased to 28.2 MPa and 32.2 N/mm, respectively. It also featured a reduced heat build-up value of approximately 2.9°C. This study is expected to provide a new thinking for improving the interfacial properties between rubber and nanomaterials.