Functionalised graphene oxide-bromobutyl rubber composites with segregated structure for enhanced gas barrier properties

Abstract

Graphene-based elastomer composites with a segregated structure were prepared by electrostatic self-assembly. The morphology and microstructures of the composites were characterised by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electrical microscope (TEM). The segregated network leads to a low gas permeability coefficient for BIIR composites. With the incorporation as low as 0.4 wt-% GTA-GO, the helium permeability coefficient decreased about 63% when compared with that of neat BIIR. The tensile strength and percentage elongation increased with an increase in the GTA-GO content. This is attributed to the complete exfoliation, uniform dispersion and the segregated structure of GTA-GO in the BIIR matrix. These results demonstrate that such electrostatic self-assembly method between latex and sheet-fillers is an effective strategy to design and produce polymeric nanocomposites with good gas barrier properties. The results will effectively promote the application of barrier polymer in the production of protective clothing, gas storage devices and coatings.