Modified graphite filled natural rubber composites with good thermal conductivity

The rubber composites with good thermal conductivity contribute to heat dissipation of tires. Graphite filled natural rubber composites were developed in this study to provide good thermal conductivity. Graphite was coated with polyacrylate polymerized by monomers including methyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate and acrylic acid. The ratios between a filler and acrylate polymerization emulsion and those between monomers were varied. Eight types of surface modification formulas were experimentally investigated. Modification formula can affect coating results and composite properties greatly. The best coating type was achieved by a ratio of 1:1 between methyl methacrylate and n-butyl acrylate. The coating of graphite was thermally stable in a running tire. Filled with modified graphite, the tire thermal conductivity reached up to 0.517–0.569 W·m− 1·K− 1. In addition, the mechanical performance was improved with increased crosslink density, extended scorch time and short vulcanization time.

Graphical abstractGraphite was coated with polyacrylate, and then filled into natural rubbers. The thermal conductivity of the prepared composites was improved greatly. Therefore, heat dissipation of tires can be improved accordingly.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide