Effect of Silane Functionalization on the Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane Nanocomposites Reinforced with Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes
- 1School of Engineering, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo 01302-907, Brazil
- 2Center of Engineering, Modeling and Applied Social Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo Andre 09210-580, Brazil
Abstract
Elastomeric nanocomposites containing carbon nanomaterials have potential for functional applications, although their performance depends on filler–matrix interactions and conductive network formation. This study evaluated the effects of KH550 functionalization and rGO or SWCNT concentration on the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of PDMS nanocomposites. Nanomaterial modification was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and XPS, while nanocomposites were evaluated by AC conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile testing. XPS evidenced changes in surface chemical composition following functionalization. Incorporating up to 2.0 wt.% rGO did not appreciably alter PDMS conductivity, whereas 0.1 wt.% SWCNT increased conductivity from 2.8 × 10−14 to 2.7 × 10−6 S/m at 0.1 Hz, approximately eight orders of magnitude. SWCNT functionalization reduced conductivity, although increasing filler concentration partially compensated for this effect. At 0.5 wt.% SWCNT, functionalization resulted in 129% higher mean tensile strength and 52% higher mean elongation at break compared with the unfunctionalized nanocomposite. Both nanomaterials modified the thermal behavior of PDMS, while mechanical effects depended on filler type, concentration, and functionalization. These results highlight the need to balance filler–matrix interactions and conductive network formation in PDMS nanocomposites.
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BibTeX
@article{cargnin2026effect,
title = {{Effect of Silane Functionalization on the Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane Nanocomposites Reinforced with Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes}},
author = {Elyff Cargnin and Luís Marcelo Garcia da Silva and Rogerio Ramos de Sousa Junior and Guilherme Elias Saltarelli Garcia and Raquel Bissaco and Dunieskys Roberto González Larrudé and Demetrio Jackson dos Santos},
journal = {Polymers},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/polym18212650},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/18/21/2650},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effect of Silane Functionalization on the Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane Nanocomposites Reinforced with Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes
AU - Elyff Cargnin
AU - Luís Marcelo Garcia da Silva
AU - Rogerio Ramos de Sousa Junior
AU - Guilherme Elias Saltarelli Garcia
AU - Raquel Bissaco
AU - Dunieskys Roberto González Larrudé
AU - Demetrio Jackson dos Santos
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/26
JO - Polymers
DO - 10.3390/polym18212650
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/18/21/2650
AB - Elastomeric nanocomposites containing carbon nanomaterials have potential for functional applications, although their performance depends on filler–matrix interactions and conductive network formation. This study evaluated the effects of KH550 functionalization and rGO or SWCNT concentration on the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of PDMS nanocomposites. Nanomaterial modification was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and XPS, while nanocomposites were evaluated by AC conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile testing. XPS evidenced changes in surface chemical composition following functionalization. Incorporating up to 2.0 wt.% rGO did not appreciably alter PDMS conductivity, whereas 0.1 wt.% SWCNT increased conductivity from 2.8 × 10−14 to 2.7 × 10−6 S/m at 0.1 Hz, approximately eight orders of magnitude. SWCNT functionalization reduced conductivity, although increasing filler concentration partially compensated for this effect. At 0.5 wt.% SWCNT, functionalization resulted in 129% higher mean tensile strength and 52% higher mean elongation at break compared with the unfunctionalized nanocomposite. Both nanomaterials modified the thermal behavior of PDMS, while mechanical effects depended on filler type, concentration, and functionalization. These results highlight the need to balance filler–matrix interactions and conductive network formation in PDMS nanocomposites.
SN - 2073-4360
ER -