Functional and mechanical properties of acrylate elastomer/expanded graphite nanocomposites

Expanded graphite (EG) is prepared by microwave irradiation to expandable graphite. A stable aqueous suspension of EG is obtained through dispersing EG into deionized water in the presence of surfactant under ultrasonication. Nanocomposites are prepared by compounding EG aqueous suspension with alkyl acrylate elastomer latex. It is showed that, by the latex compounding method (LCM), EG platelets are finely dispersed in the elastomer matrix. The nanocomposites exhibit remarkable improvements in mechanical properties, wear resistance, and gas barrier property. The prepared compound also shows certain electrical conductivity, but soon loses it after milled on a miller. Meanwhile, a dramatic change in EG network is observed corresponding to the loss of electrical conductivity. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013