Hybridization of a thermoplastic natural rubber composite with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/silicon carbide nanoparticles and the effects on morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties

The thermal conductivity and mechanical performance of a hybrid multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/silicon carbide (MWCNTs/SiC)‐reinforced thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) nanocomposite were investigated. TPNR was fabricated from polypropylene, natural rubber (NR) and liquid NR at a volume ratio of 70:20:10, respectively. The Young's modulus, the tensile strength, and the storage and loss modulus of the nanocomposites with a single filler of MWCNTs or SiC were enhanced compared with those of neat TPNR. The greatest improvements in these properties were achieved at a composition of 1.5 wt% SiC‐1.5 wt% MWCNTs‐reinforced nanocomposite. In addition, the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the nanocomposites, determined using a laser flash technique, were improved in the 3 wt% SiC‐reinforced nanocomposite sample relative to those of the pure sample and the other reinforced nanocomposites. Based on these findings, MWCNTs and SiC could serve as suitable percolated networks of hybrid reinforcement fillers to achieve optimal thermal and mechanical properties in the TPNR matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E695–E703, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers