Filled elastomers with improved thermal and mechanical properties

The invention relates to elastomeric compositions containing filler particles that are predominantly two-dimensional in shape. The elastomeric compositions exhibit significantly improved thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties as compared with elastomers containing conventional fillers such as natural clay, carbon black, and carbon fiber. In addition, the elastomeric compositions of the invention exhibit improved resistance to solvent-induced swelling and to unwanted permeation of gases such as hydrogen sulfide. The invention also provides a method of forming such elastomeric compositions and methods of using such elastomeric compositions to prepare elastomeric articles with improved resistance to thermal, chemical, and mechanical stresses.