Elastomer composites based on carbon nanotubes and ionic liquid

Kalaivani Subramaniam, Amit Das, Klaus Werner Stöckelhuber, Gert Heinrich

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

    51 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known for excellent electrical conductivity and high elastic modulus. But difficulties arise in realizing their potential in matrices due to their existence in the form of aggregates or agglomerates. A simplified mixing technique using ionic liquid (IL) was developed to improve the dispersion of CNTs in elastomers. At first, CNTswere modified using an IL, 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium-bis-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide in a mortar and pestle, and later, the modified tubes were incorporated into elastomers using a two-roll mill. The effect of modified tubes and IL on polar polychloroprene and nonpolar solution styrene butadiene rubber is studied. Enhanced dispersion and networking of CNTs can be achieved using this technique, based on which highly conducting composites were developed. Moreover, the composites with modified CNTs exhibited higher mechanical properties (tensile modulus, hardness) and thermal stability than the composites with unmodified CNTs. ILs are also found to have multifunctional roles (as antioxidants, as coupling agents) in the composites. The applications of composites with a particular focus on actuators and sensors are also discussed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)367-400
    Number of pages34
    JournalRubber Chemistry and Technology
    Volume86
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013
    Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Polymers and Plastics
    • Materials Chemistry

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