Layered double hydroxide/multiwalled carbon nanotube hybrids as reinforcing filler in silicone rubber

The dispersion of filler and filler–matrix interfacial interaction are crucial factors to improve the properties of nanocomposites. In the present work, the dry grinding of 1D multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and 2D layered double hydroxides (Li–Al-LDH, Mg–Al-LDH and Co–Al-LDH) have been used to prepare the corresponding 3D Li–Al-LDH/MWCNT, Mg–Al-LDH/MWCNT and Co–Al-LDH/MWCNT hybrids and characterized. Subsequently, these 3D hybrids are used as nanofiller in the development of silicone rubber (SR) nanocomposites. Tensile strength is found to be significantly improved by 134%, 100% and 125% compared to neat SR in 1 wt.% Mg–Al-LDH/MWCNT, Li–Al-LDH/MWCNT and Co–Al-LDH/MWCNT hybrids filled SR nanocomposites respectively. It is also noted that Mg–Al-LDH/MWCNT/SR nanocomposites exhibit superior thermal stability and swelling behavior. The best effect of Mg–Al-LDH/MWCNT on SR compared to other hybrids is related to the highest surface area which contributes to nanolevel dispersion and strong interfacial interaction between Mg–Al-LDH/MWCNT and SR matrix.