Revolutionizing materials: Exploring graphene-nano-platelets as a conductive filler in epoxy / liquid silicone rubber (LSR) system

This study investigates how liquid silicone rubber (LSR) content (5–20 vol.%) and graphene nano-platelets (GNP) loading (0–1 vol.%) affect the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of a dual epoxy/LSR matrix prepared by mechanical mixing. At 5 vol.% LSR and 0.2 vol.% GNP, the epoxy/LSR/GNP system shows a 25% toughness improvement compared with epoxy/GNP system. The system also demonstrates enhanced thermal stability over pure epoxy at 5 vol.% LSR and 1 vol.% GNP. Electrical bulk conductivity increases with higher LSR content (0–20 vol.%). A percolation threshold is reached at a very low GNP loading (0.8 vol%), yielding a marked conductivity rise. Overall, incorporating both LSR and GNP fillers into the epoxy matrix produces a composite with superior mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, suitable for electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs).