The m-SiCNW/FKM nanocomposites: fabrication, characterization and properties

Abstract

Nanocomposites consisting of the fluoroelastomer (FKM) matrix and modified SiC nanowires (m-SiCNWs) as strengthening phase (coded as m-SiCNW/FKM nanocomposites) have been prepared for the first time on an open two-roll mill. SiCNWs were modified by simple chemical treatment using fluoroalkylsilane (AC-FAS, CF₃(CF₂)₇CH₂CH₂Si(OC₂H₅)₃) as modifier. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that AC-FAS was successfully grafted to the surface of the SiCNWs. The water contact angle test confirmed that the surface of m-SiCNWs was hydrophobic. Compared with FKM, the tensile strength, stress at 100% strain, tear strength and thermal conductivity at 100 °C of the nanocomposites with 14 phr m-SiCNWs were improved by 15.3%, 102.0%, 17.6% and 56.9%, respectively. The tensile fracture surface morphology of m-SiCNW/FKM nanocomposites shows that m-SiCNWs were uniformly dispersed, and the interfacial adhesion between m-SiCNWs and FKM matrix was strong. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that the storage modulus (E′) of the m-SiCNW/FKM nanocomposites was improved, and the T_g shifted to a higher temperature by increasing the m-SiCNW content, indicating the greater reinforcing effect of m-SiCNWs. Payne effect, as an important characteristic of rubber materials, was also investigated. The preparation of m-SiCNW/FKM nanocomposites provides a favorable exploration for the application of one-dimensional (1D) nanofiller in polymer composites.