Development and performance analysis of fluoroelastomer-graphite nanoplatelet nanocomposites

Abstract

Fluoroelastomer/graphite nanoplatelet (FKM/GNP) nanocomposites were prepared by two-roll mixing. The effect of graphite nanoplatelets on the mechanical and thermal properties of fluoroelastomer nanocomposites was studied as a function of filler loading. The dispersion and interaction of the filler in the polymer matrix was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. It was found that the nanocomposite with 8 phr of filler loading showed optimum properties with 400% enhancement in tensile properties and 140% increase in tear strength. The thermal stability is also enhanced for 8 phr filler loaded fluoelastomer nanocomposite and only 32% weight loss was observed at 475°C. Incorporation of GNP efficiently improved both the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites by its interaction with the polymer matrix.