Siligraphen/g-C3N4 nanocomposites as the novel nanofillers for improving the thermal and mechanical properties of fluoroelastomer

Abstract In this research, the novel nano-filled fluoroelastomer (FKM) composites with excellent thermal and mechanical properties were prepared using the Siligraphene (graphene-like SiC), g-C3N4, and Siligraphene/g-C3N4 composites to improve the thermal and mechanical stability of FKM. The nanocomposites were exposed to heat aging test and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile test. Results show that Siligraphene, g-C3N4, and Siligraphene/g-C3N4 improved the tensile properties of FKM before and after exposure to the aging test. Si and N dopants in the graphenic structure of Siligraphene and g-C3N4 nanofillers are the effective parameter to reinforce the properties of nanocomposites. In general, these nanofillers provided better adhesion with FKM matrix. It can be justified by a better distribution of filler and higher interaction between filler and FKM which form the cellulation structure that can improve the mechanical properties and prevent the rubber decomposition at high temperatures by resisting molecular mobility.