ABSTRACT
170Elastomeric nanocomposites based on natural rubber (NR) and fillers of different carbon nanostructures (fullerenes, fullerene soot, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and their combinations with other carbon phases) at respective concentrations and/or ratios between them have been developed.
The morphology and microstructure of the materials have been characterized using different methods depending on the fillers used—scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X-ray spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The dielectric (permittivity, dielectric loss angle tangent (tan δ ɛ )) and microwave (reflection coefficient, attenuation coefficient, and shielding effectiveness (SE)) properties of the obtained elastomer composites have been determined within a wide frequency range— (1-12 GHz).
The influence of various amounts of the above carbon nanostructures (by themselves or in a combination with other carbon phases) on the dielectric and microwave properties of the elastomer composites containing them has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically.
The results achieved reveal how by using the selected combinations of CNTs and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) the microwave and dielectric properties of NR nanocomposites can be tailored depending on the requirements set by real practical applications. The developed nanocomposites could have commercial potential for lightweight shielding materials for electromagnetic radiation.
The summarized research results allow us to recommend CNTs and GNPs as second fillers in combination with carbon black for NR-based composites to afford specific absorbing properties.
