Impact of various oxidation degrees of graphene oxide on the performance of styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposites

In this work, graphene oxide (GO) with various oxidation degrees were synthesized by adjusting the dosage of oxidation agent based on a modified Hummers' method, and were then used for the fabrication of the styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR)/GO nanocomposites through latex coagulation method, followed by a high-temperature cure process. The vulcanization characteristics, thermal stability, mechanical properties, thermal conductivity as well as solvent resistance of SBR/GO nanocomposites were investigated. The results indicated that various surface structures of GO due to oxidation degrees may lead to different dispersion states of GO in the rubber matrix, and thus greatly influenced the cure rate, mechanical properties as well as thermal conductivity of SBR/GO nanocomposites. The optimal (moderate) oxidation degree of GO was achieved at the oxidation agent (KMnO4)/graphite weight ratio 9/5, for which case the tensile strength, tear strength, and thermal conductivity of SBR/GO nanocomposites increased by 271.3%, 112.3%, and 28.6%, respectively, compared with those of neat SBR. In addition, the mentioned nanocomposites also showed the best solvent resistance in toluene. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers