Constructing a segregated graphene network in rubber composites towards improved electrically conductive and barrier properties

A simple and effective approach, i.e. pre-construction method, was developed to fabricate a three-dimensional segregated graphene network (IL-3DGE) in a styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) matrix. Such segregated 3D-GE network dramatically enhanced the electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and gas barrier property of SBR composites. With the incorporation of 1.66 vol% IL-3DGE, the electrical conductivity of the composites was significantly enhanced by 10 orders of magnitude, the tensile strength was increased by 516%, and gas permeability was effectively reduced by 75.5%, as compared with those of neat SBR. Specifically, SBR/IL-3DGE with a segregated morphology showed a much low electrical percolation threshold (0.39 vol%), which is approximately 9-fold lower than that of the non-segregated SBR/IL-GE (3.78 vol%). The excellent properties of the composites were attributed to the construction of a 3D segregated conductive structure and strong interfacial interactions. This work provides a new insight into the fabrication of high-performance rubber composites for versatile practical applications.