A slurry compounding route to disperse graphene oxide in rubber

In polymer composites, filler dispersion and interfacial adhesion are two critical factors in determining their properties. To date, it still remains a challenge to achieve uniform filler dispersion and implement interfacial tailoring in rubber composites by direct melt mixing. In this study, we prepared graphene oxide (GO) slurry in acetone via a simple solvent exchange method and modified GO in the slurry. Then the slurry was compounded with nitrile rubber on two-roll mill to produce composites. Morphological and interfacial structural studies revealed that GO was dispersed at nano-scale in the composites, and the dispersion of GO and interfacial adhesion were further improved upon the modification of GO with silane. Consequently, the mechanical properties of the composites were remarkably enhanced by adding GO.