Fabrication of exfoliated graphite reinforced silicone rubber composites - Mechanical, tribological and dielectric properties. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sarath, P.S.; Samson, Sohil Varghese; Reghunath, Rakesh; Pandey, Mrituanjay Kumar; Haponiuk, Józef T.; Thomas, Sabu; George, Soney C.
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 89(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Silicone rubber -- Exfoliated graphite -- Tribology -- Dielectric performance; Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.106601
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: The effect of exfoliated graphite (EG) on the mechanical, tribological and dielectric properties of the silicone rubber (QM) composites has been systematically investigated and analysed. Morphological analysis of the composites helps to understand the interfacial interaction between the filler and the rubber matrix as well as wear mechanism respectively. An enhancement in the mechanical, tribological and dielectric properties was observed with an increase in filler loading and better performance was observed at 7 phr of filler loading. The improvement in performance is attributed to the better interaction between the QM chains and the EG layers as evident from the AFM and TEM analysis. It is also evident from the Kraus plot which supports the reinforcing effect of EG in QM matrix. Highlights: Effect of Exfoliated graphite on the mechanical and tribological properties of silicone rubber graphite composites. Composites exhibited simultaneous increment in dielectric properties. Tribological properties of QMEG composite analysed as a function of load, sliding speed and temperature. Wear mechanism involves the formation of lubrication film on the frictional surface.