Physical properties of silicone foams filled with carbon nanotubes and functionalized graphene sheets

Free-rising silicone foams were made with loading fractions of up to 0.25 wt.-% functionalized graphene sheets (FGS) and up to 1.0 wt.-% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using hydrogen as blowing agent. Scanning electron microscopy of the samples revealed an open cellular structure and a homogeneous dispersion of both types of nanofillers. The incorporation of nanofiller affected the foaming process and thus the final foam density and cellular structure. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of a CNT network throughout the sample, while FGS presented an exfoliated and intercalated dispersion. The thermal stability of the samples was drastically affected by the presence of both nanofillers. Both nanofillers showed a positive effect on the compressive response of the foams. However, the nanocomposite foams were found to decrease the acoustic absorption with nanofiller content probably due to the variable foam structure and improved stiffness. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.