Abstract:

In recent years, graphenehas been demonstrated to be a promising reinforcing component for polymer composites due to itsfascinating characteristics such as extremely large specific surfacearea, high modulus, andversatile surface chemistry. In thisfeature article, we mainlyreview our recent work on the preparation of functionalized graphene and its rubber composites. By using common and industrially available modifiers such as tannic acid, fluorescent whitening agents and sodium humate, kinds ofgraphene aqueous colloid with excellent stability and high concentration are prepared, which offers the opportunity for preparation of rubber composites by latex technique. Compared with conventional fillers such as carbon black, graphene shows a much higher reinforcing efficiency and endows the composites with functional properties. Furthermore, the versatile surface chemistry of the functionalized graphene is in favor of constructing different interfacial structures for rubber/graphene composites. The effect of interfacial structures on the properties of the composites is also revealed. In addition, the combination of 2D graphene with other nanofillers such as halloysiteand carbon nanofiber shows significant synergetic effects on enhancing the performances of rubber composites.
 Keywords: graphene; interfacial construction; reinforcing efficiency; functional properties

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Biography:

Baochun Guo is Professor in the Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering at South China University of Technology (SCUT) in Guangzhou. After receiving a B.S. from Northwestern Polytechnic University in 1996, he completed his Ph.D.in Polymer Materials at SCUT, under the guidance of Prof. Demin Jia. After completing his Ph.D. study, he joined the Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, SCUT as a Lecturer and became full Professor at SCUT in 2009. He has been recognized with several honors, including the New Century Excellent Talents Award in University (MOE) and an Excellent Youth Fund (NSFC). His current research involves rubber reinforcement, graphene functionalization, and elastomeric composites.