Evaluation Of Addition Of Carbon Nano Materials Over Properties Of An Elastomeric Matrix

In the present work, the effect of the addition of different types of carbon nano structures on the mechanical, thermomechanical and thermal properties of a radial structure of styrene-butadienestyrene (SBSR) copolymer matrix is reported. Different carbon nanostructures were used as nano-reinforcements: expanded graphite (XG), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and exfoliated graphene (EG). These carbon structures present various functional groups, such as carbonyl, epoxy, and others, which are the responsible for the interaction between the polymer matrix and the nano particles. The compatibility induced between the nanomaterials and the elastomeric matrix favors the stable dispersion of the nanocomposites during their obtention process. For instance, the addition of GO increased in 10 and 16% the tensile strength and storage modulus of the nanocomposites. The fracture surface patterns in the nanocomposites after the tensile test was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Also, the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermal characterization showed differences in the viscoelastic behavior of the reinforced nanocomposites with different carbon nanomaterials.