Mechanical and electrical performances of different silicone rubber content in polyurethane elastomer/silicone rubber/graphene nano-platelets conductive material

Abstract

Immiscible polyurethane elastomer (PUE)/silicone rubber/graphene nano-platelets blend composites filled with different PUE/silicone rubber blend ratio were synthesised by using solution casting technique. In this work, two different types of silicone rubber: liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and powdered silicone rubber (PSR) were used as secondary matrix based on double percolation concept to construct an immiscible blend that has a balance electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. The electrical conductivity has increased gradually, but the mechanical properties of the composites shows a remarkable decline when silicone rubber loading increases up to 20 vol% for both blend systems. The well balance of electrical conductivity and performance is achieved at 15 vol.% of silicone rubber loading. Overall, PUE/PSR/GnPs at 15 vol. % of silicone rubber content has higher electrical conductivity and mechanical strength as compared to PUE/LSR/GnPs blend system.