Enhancing the mechanical, conductive, and chemical resistance properties of SEBS nanocomposites using graphene nanoplatelets

Abstract

Abstract Styrene‐Ethylene‐Butylene‐Styrene (SEBS) has garnered considerable attention for its excellent stability and aging resistance, yet its broader industrial applications require enhanced functionalities, including electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as chemical resistance. This study investigates the preparation of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)‐reinforced SEBS/PP/oil (SPO) nanocomposites, with an emphasis on a novel ball‐milled variant ( B ‐SPO/GNP) engineered to improve mechanical strength and multifunctional performance. SPO/GNP and B ‐SPO/GNP nanocomposites were prepared using twin‐screw extrusion and injection molding, with GNP loadings ranging from 0.5 to 30 wt%. Comprehensive characterization revealed significant improvements across multiple properties, primarily driven by the uniform dispersion of GNPs and enhanced interfacial bonding within the matrix. Notably, tensile strength increased by 38.89% in B ‐SPO/GNP‐2 compared to unreinforced SPO, while B ‐SPO/GNP‐20 achieved a thermal conductivity of 0.415 W/m·K and an electrical conductivity of 1.88 × 10 −7 S/cm. In addition, an electrical percolation threshold was observed at 17.35 wt% for B ‐SPO/GNP nanocomposites. Enhanced chemical resistance and long‐term salt spray corrosion performance were attributed to the formation of an effective GNP‐based protective barrier. These findings underscore the potential of B ‐SPO/GNP nanocomposites as durable, high‐performance materials, offering a promising platform for advanced polymer nanocomposite development in demanding industrial applications. Highlights Mechanical ball milling improved GNP dispersion and interface bonding. B ‐SPO/GNP showed a maximum increase of 38.89% in tensile strength over SPO. Electrical percolation threshold in B ‐SPO/GNP reduced to 17.35 wt%. B ‐SPO/GNP displayed improved thermal conductivity and stability. B ‐SPO/GNP exhibited superior chemical and corrosion resistance.