A novel approach to electrically and thermally conductive elastomers using graphene

Electrically and thermally conductive elastomers are highly desired in industries, since they can prevent static electricity accumulation and reduce internal heat build-up. Previous methodologies using carbon black, metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes are either ineffective or expensive. By contrast, we in this study developed electrically and thermally conductive, high-mechanical performance elastomers, by adopting cost-effective, high-structural integrity graphene platelets (GnPs) of 3.55 +/- 0.32 nm in thickness and employing an industrial compatible method. A percolation threshold of electrical conductivity was observed at 16.5 vol% GnPs, and the elastomer thermal conductivity improved 240% at 41.6 vol%. At 24 vol%, tensile strength, Young's modulus, and tear strength improved 230%, 506% and 445%, respectively. By comparing the reinforcement effect of GnPs with those of carbon black, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and silicate layers, we found that GnPs are a promising candidate for developing cost-effective, functional, high-mechanical performance elastomers. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.