Enhancing the mechanical properties of fluororubber through the formation of crosslinked networks with aminated multi-walled carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxides

To manipulate the mechanical properties of fluororubber (FKM) composites, aminated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-A) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were introduced to synergistically create additional crosslinking between the FKM networks. Effects of the improved crosslinking on the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the FKM composites were systematically investigated in this research. The results showed that additional linkages were created due to the interactions between FKM and MWCNT-A and between MWCNT-A and RGO, resulting the thus-prepared FKM/MWCNT-A/RGO composites with excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Compared with the pristine FKM composite, the tensile strength, modulus at 100% strain, hardness, thermal and electrical conductivity of the FKM/MWCNT-A/RGO composite exhibited great increment of 43.8%, 656.3%, 34.5%, 30.3% and eight orders of magnitude, respectively. This research demonstrates that the construction of additional crosslinking with nanofillers represents an effective and promising route for a more broad range of industrial applications of FKM.