Improved mechanical performance and swelling resistance of ethylene propylene diene monomer/styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites through the incorporation of graphene oxide as a reinforcing filler

Graphene oxide (GO) was produced by exfoliating natural flake graphite using Hummers’ method. Using the ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride (AMICl), the surface characteristics of the GO sheets were carefully altered to form nanocomposites containing ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and functionalized GO (GO-IL). The research showcases the incorporation of a reinforcing filler, GO-IL, as opposed to GO alone, leading to significant improvements in both the mechanical properties and swelling resistance of 80/20 EPDM/SBR blend nanocomposites. The distinctive amphiphilic nature of GO-IL facilitated its interaction with EPDM/SBR, thereby substantially enhancing the mechanical properties and swelling resistance of the composite system. With incorporation of only 6 phr GO-IL, the tensile strength and stress at 100% elongation of EPDM/SBR blend increased by 257% and 135%, respectively. This study indicates that GO-IL holds promise as a viable reinforcing filler for EPDM/SBR blends.