Influence of graphene oxide and multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the dynamic mechanical properties and heat buildup of natural rubber/carbon black composites

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were incorporated into natural rubber (NR) to study the influence of each of these materials when substituted for carbon black (CB) on the structure and properties of NR/CB composites. The influence of stirring time on the composites used to prepare the masterbatch was also studied. Morphological observations revealed that the dispersion of the filler was improved by partially substituting GO and MWNTs for CB. Improvements in the static mechanical properties and dynamic properties were achieved when the concentration of GO or MWNTs was 1 phr. The highest modulus and hardness was found in the composites with a short stirring time used for the preparation of the masterbatch. When compared to CB-filled vulcanizates, composites with GO had a greater tensile strength and equivalent heat buildup, which is mainly attributed to the larger cross-link density. In this article, compared with the MWNTs, GO is more beneficial to the preparation of rubber composite with high mechanical properties and low heat buildup. This is mainly due to the common functional groups carboxyl, hydroxyl, and epoxide in the GO can improve the dispersion of GO within a matrix.