Studies of nanocomposites based on carbon nanomaterials and RTV silicone rubber

The mechanical and electrical properties were investigated for nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and conductive carbon black (CB). Solution room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber was used as a matrix. Vulcanizates based on CNTs and CB was prepared by solution mixing. With the addition of 2 phr of CNTs to the rubber matrix, the Young's modulus increased by 272% and reached as high as ∼706% at 8 phr, whereas the modulus increased only 125% for CB specimens at 10 phr. Similarly, the electrical properties at 5 phr content of CNT were ∼0.7 kΩ against ∼0.9 kΩ at 20 phr CB. The Kraus plot from equilibrium swelling tests shows that the high properties for CNT specimens are due to high polymer–filler interfacial interactions, the small particle size that improves the distribution of the filler in a highly exfoliated state, and high electrical connective networks among the filler particles. These improvements can especially influence medical products such as feeding tubes, seals and gaskets, catheters, respiratory masks and artificial muscles.