Effect of the Functionalization of graphene Nanoplatelets with a Janus Pyrrole Molecule on mechanical and electrical Properties of natural Rubber Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites were prepared by blending natural rubber latex with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) functionalized with a Janus pyrrole compound, through a simple and sustainable process, with a very high atom efficiency and a carbon efficiency close to 100%. The pyrrole compound was 2-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)propane-1,3-diol (serinol pyrrole, SP). Its synthesis and the functionalization of GNPs were performed by mixing and heating. The nanocomposites with GNPs-SP, with about 10% by mass of SP, revealed low Payne effect, good mechanical properties, low rigidity at low strain and the lowest mechanical and electrical percolation thresholds. Comparable results were obtained only with GNPs treated with 50 parts of potassium stearate as surfactant.