ABSTRACT
Graphene is a two-dimensional material with carbon atoms arranged in honeycomb network. Due to its anisotropy, graphene shows high thermal conductivity. On the other hand, elastomers with their high flexibility, elasticity, and processibility are widely used in many fields. For applications that require flexibility and thermal conductivity, a combination of graphene and elastomers can result in synergetic properties without compromising mechanical properties. The increased demand for a two-dimensional material like graphene with high anisotropy created a jolt in the area of electronic packaging, sensing, aerospace, thermal energy storage, automobile, etc. Flow of phonons and electrons in the two-dimensional materials graphene is the key factor that results in high thermal conductivity. Along with graphene composition and orientation, the graphene-elastomer interface also plays a vital role in heat transfer mechanism of graphene/elastomeric composites. Thus, in this chapter, we outline the progress made to date in removing the aforementioned obstacles, with a specific emphasis on the heat conductive characteristic of rubber composites loaded with graphene. The chapter also includes a detailed review on the heat transfer mechanism in graphene/elastomeric composites particularly focusing on phonon transfer in graphene interface matrix. The chapter debates the advantages, limitations, preparation techniques, and a critical comparison on the graphene/elastomeric composites with other composites. The methods adopted for improving the thermal conductivity, for instance, modification of surface chemistry for enhancing interfacial interaction, orientation, including recent advancement of 3D networking of graphene have been summarised. Finally, potential applications and directions for future researches on thermally conductive graphene-elastomer composite are discussed.
