A novel dielectric elastomer by constructing dual-network structure of carbon nanotubes and rubber nanoparticles in dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer. Issue 39 (4th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Hanguang; Yao, Pengjun; Ning, Nanying; Zhang, Liqun; Tian, Hongchi; Wu, Youping; Tian, Ming
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 6:Issue 39(2016)
• Page Start: 32932
• Page End: 32939
• Publication Date: 2016-04-04
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c6ra01463a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : The dual network formed in CNTs/TPV composites and the consequently improved dielectric properties and elasticity of the composites. Abstract : Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs), as a special class of high-performance thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), consist of a high content (60–80 wt%) of crosslinked rubber particles as the dispersed phase and a low content of a thermoplastic as the matrix. In this study, inspired by the special microstructure of TPVs, we prepared carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/TPV dielectric elastomer composites with a high dielectric constant ( k ) and low dielectric loss by constructing a dual network formed by rubber and CNTs. The rubber network was formed by a high content of agglomerates of rubber nanoparticles in the TPVs, which simultaneously promoted the formation of a CNTs network at a low content of CNTs in the matrix, to increase the value of k, and hindered the direct connection of CNTs with one another, to decrease the dielectric loss. As a result, the CNTs/TPV composites simultaneously possessed a high value of k and low dielectric loss. Moreover, the elasticity of the composites was improved by the CNTs because of the nanosprings of CNTs. This study provides a new simple and effective strategy for preparing a high-performance dielectric elastomer with a high value of k, low dielectric loss, good mechanical properties, high elasticity, high processability and easy recyclability.