Experimental study on the continuous preparation of high‐performance thermal conductivity CNTs/EG/SSBR composite based on the shear and elongation flow fields with the assistance of the silanization reaction

Abstract A self‐developed Serial Rubber Continuous Mixing Device (SRCMD) based on the shear and elongation flow fields was adopted to continuously prepare the carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/expanded graphite (EG)/Solution‐polymerized styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) composite. Meanwhile, the silanization reaction between the Silica and Si69 was introduced to improve the performance of the CNTs/EG/SSBR composite. When comparing the sample prepared using the two‐stage mixing process based on the shear flow field in the internal mixer, the continuously prepared CNTs/EG/SSBR composite with 3 wt% CNTs and 15 wt% EG demonstrates a higher thermal conductivity of 1.32 W/m·K. At the same time, it exhibits significant advantages in terms of mechanical properties, processability and dispersion rating. In addition, the mechanism for the continuous preparation of CNTs/EG/SSBR composite was revealed through visual experiments. This study aims to achieve the real continuous production of high‐performance thermally conductive polymer composites to meet the urgent demand for thermal conductivity materials in 5G technology. Highlights Real continuous preparation of CNTs/EG/SSBR composite was realized. The silanization index of 92.26% between Silica and Si69 was achieved. Good silanization promotes the construction of thermal conductivity networks. High‐performance CNTs/EG/SSBR composite with low Payne effect was obtained.