Silane-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets for silicone rubber nanocomposites

Silane-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were prepared using a newly developed approach based upon a simple two-step strategy. The effect of their dispersion and interfacial bonding on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of reinforced silicone rubber (SR) was investigated. It was found by Raman mapping that the silane-functionalized GNPs could be dispersed uniformly into the SR matrix, leading to an increase of up to 25% in Young’s modulus at only 2 parts per hundred rubber (phr) loading and a considerable enhancement of up to 150% in the thermal conductivity at 5-phr loading. Both the Young’s modulus and thermal conductivity experimental results were found to be in agreement with the values predicted using theoretical models. Graphical abstract