Graphene-rubber nanocomposites: Preparation, structure, and properties

Nowadays, rubber is widely used in our daily life. Developing different types of rubber with high performance is an urgent need for the high-tech modern industry. Graphene, as an excellent nanofiller, can effectively improve the properties of rubber in many aspects. Therefore, the graphene/rubber composites are widely studied by researchers from all over the world, to improve the performance and expand the application of rubber. Dispersing the graphene well in the rubber matrix is the main challenge to prepare the well-performed graphene/rubber composites. Investigating how graphene will improve the properties of rubber is also significant to us. In this chapter, we will review the different preparation methods and applications of the graphene-rubber composites and summarize how graphene will improve the mechanical, electrical, barrier, and thermal properties of the different rubber materials. Furthermore, in order to make a better understanding for graphene effect as a 2D filler for rubber, the chapter also illustrates the reinforcing, vulcanization, and barrier mechanism of the graphene-rubber composites