Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) demonstrate remarkable electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, which allow a number of exciting potential applications. In this article, we review the most recent progress in research on the development of CNT-polymer composites, with particular attention to their mechanical and electrical (conductive) properties. Various functionalization and fabrication approaches and their role in the preparation of CNT-polymer composites with improved mechanical and electrical properties are discussed. We tabulate the most recent values of Young's modulus and electrical conductivities for various CNT-polymer composites and compare the effectiveness of different processing techniques. Finally, we give a future outlook for the development of CNT-polymer composites as potential alternative materials for various applications, including flexible electrodes in displays, electronic paper, antistatic coatings, bullet-proof vests, protective clothing, and high-performance composites for aircraft and automotive industries.

Recent Advances in Research on Carbon Nanotube–Polymer Composites

The study of preparing silica/rubber composites used in tires with low rolling resistance in an energy-saving method is fast-growing. In this study, a novel strategy is proposed, in which silica was modified by combing alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO) and 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (K-MEPTS) for preparing silica/natural rubber (NR) master batches. A thermal gravimetric analyzer and Raman spectroscopy results indicated that both AEO and K-MEPTS could be grafted on to the silica surface, and AEO has a chance to shield the mercaptopropyl group on K-MEPTS. Silica modified by AEO and K-MEPTS together was completely co-coagulated with the rubber in preparing silica/NR composites using the latex compounding method with the help of the interaction between AEO and K-MEPTS. The performance of composites prepared by silica/NR master batches was investigated by a rubber process analyzer (RPA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a tensile tester. These results demonstrate that AEO forms a physical interface between silica and rubber, resulting in good silica dispersion in the matrix. K-MEPTS forms a chemical interface between silica and rubber, enhancing the reinforcing effect of silica and reducing the mutual friction between silica particles. In summary, using a proper combination of AEO and K-MEPTS is a user-friendly approach for preparing silica/NR composites with excellent performance.

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/10/1/1/pdf

Silica Modified by Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether and Silane Coupling Agent Together to Achieve High Performance Rubber Composites Using the Latex Compounding Method

Waste tire rubber in polymer blends: a review on the evolution, properties and future

Evolution from graphite to graphene elastomer composites

The disposal of worn tyres and their economic recycling mean a great challenge nowadays. Material recycling is the preferred way supported by legislative actions and economical/ecological arguments. This paper surveys the recent developments devoted to the reclamation, surface treatments, and to the use of ground tyre rubber (GTR) in thermoplastics, thermosetting resins, and rubber formulations. This review discloses also the principle underlying compatibilization to improve the adhesion of GTR to the corresponding matrix. It was concluded that value-added application of GTR can especially be expected in thermoplastic elastomers, and rubber combinations.

Ground tyre rubber (GTR) in thermoplastics, thermosets, and rubbers

Preparation, structure, and properties of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber with functionalized end-groups and its silica-filled composites

In order to achieve dramatic improvements in the performance of rubber materials, the development of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced rubber composites was attempted. The CNT/natural rubber (NR) nanocomposite was prepared through solvent mixing on the basis of pretreatment of CNTs. Thermal properties, vulcanization characteristics, and physical and mechanical properties of the CNT/NR nanocomposites were characterized in contrast to the carbon black (CB)/NR composite. Through the addition of the CNTs treated using acid bath followed by ball milling with HRH (hydrated silica, resorcinol, and hexamethylene tetramine) bonding systems, the crystallization melting peak in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves of NR weakened and the curing rate of NR slightly decreased. Meanwhile, the over-curing reversion of CNT/NR nanocomposites was alleviated. The dispersion of the treated CNTs in the rubber matrix and interfacial bonding between them were rather good. The mechanical properties of the CNT-reinforced NR showed a considerable increase compared to the neat NR and traditional CB/NR composite. At the same time, the CNT/NR nanocomposites exhibited better rebound resilience and dynamic compression properties. The storage modulus of the CNT/NR nanocomposites greatly exceeds that of neat NR and CB/NR composites under all temperature regions. The thermal stability of NR was also obviously improved with the addition of the treated CNTs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preparation and properties of natural rubber composites reinforced with pretreated carbon nanotubes

Microbial desulfurization of ground tire rubber by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

The influence of in situ modification of silica with bis-(3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl)-tetrasulfide (TESPT) on filler network in silica filled solution SBR compound was investigated. In situ modification greatly increased the bound rubber content. TEM observation of silica gel showed that bridging and interlocking of absorbed chains on the surface of silica particles formed the filler network. Rubber processing analyzer (RPA) was used to characterize the filler network and interaction between silica and rubber by strain and temperature sweeps. In situ modification improved the dispersion of silica, and in the meantime, the chemical bonds were formed between silica and rubber, which conferred the stability of silica dispersion during the processing. Compared to the compound without in situ modification, the compound with in situ modification of silica exhibited higher tan δ at low strains and lower tan δ at high strains, which can be explained in terms of filler network in the compounds. After in situ modification, DMTA results showed silica-filled SSBR vulcanizate exhibited higher tan δ in the temperature range of −30 to 10°C, and RPA results showed that it had lower tan δ at 60°C when the strain was more than 3%. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008

Suhe Zhao

Papers

Silica Modified by Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether and Silane Coupling Agent Together to Achieve High Performance Rubber Composites Using the Latex Compounding Method

Preparation, structure, and properties of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber with functionalized end-groups and its silica-filled composites

Preparation and properties of natural rubber composites reinforced with pretreated carbon nanotubes

Microbial desulfurization of ground tire rubber by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

The influence of in situ modification of silica on filler network and dynamic mechanical properties of silica‐filled solution styrene–butadiene rubber