Multi-functionality prospects in functionalized and pristine graphene nanosheets reinforced silicone rubber composites: A focused review

Graphene, a sp2 hybridized-carbon allotrope attracts great attention due to its extraordinary properties. The graphene is not only used in material engineering applications but also worth using as a nanofiller in rubber composites. This review paper focuses on aspects of incorporating pristine and functionalized graphene nanosheets (GNSs) as a nanofiller in silicone rubber matrix (SR). SR is promising due to its small hardness, durability, resistance to aging, easy processing, and dielectric property. Due to these features, silicone rubber-based nanocomposites offer multi-functional applications such as strain sensing. The key objective of this review study focuses on advancements of GNSs and SR-filled nanocomposites, and their functionalization, properties, and potential applications. Here, first of all, the morphology, crystal structure, defects, surface area, binding energy, and surface functionality of graphene are reported. Then, the effect of reinforcing silicone rubber by functionalized or pristine graphene on different properties was reported. Finally, the use of these improved properties in different applications was reported.