The Effect of Exfoliated Graphite on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Dynamically Vulcanized Polystyrene/Styrene Butadiene Rubber Composites

Exfoliated graphite (EG) was prepared from commercially available natural graphite flakes (NGF), through strong acid treatment followed by thermal shock at 950 degrees C. The EG sheets were characterized with respect to their thermal stability via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectra. Their morphology and particle size were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and particle size analyzer. The potential of EG as reinforcement on the mechanical and thermal properties of the dynamically vulcanized polystyrene/styrene butadiene rubber (PS/SBR) composites was evaluated. The influence of EG on the electrical properties of the composites was measured as well.