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Styrene Butadiene Rubber/Carbon Filler‐Based Vapor Sensors
Author(s) -
Tabačiarová Jana,
Krajči Juraj,
Pionteck Jürgen,
Reuter Uta,
Omastová Mária,
Mičušík Matej
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
macromolecular chemistry and physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.57
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1521-3935
pISSN - 1022-1352
DOI - 10.1002/macp.201500298
Subject(s) - natural rubber , styrene butadiene , filler (materials) , polymer chemistry , polymer science , composite material , carbon fibers , materials science , styrene , chemistry , polymer , copolymer , composite number
The elastomeric composites using styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) as the polymeric matrix with two types of carbon nanofillers, carbon black and carbon nanotubes, are prepared by melt mixing with the aim to use them as sensors of organic gases for monitoring industrial environments. The prepared composites contain various amounts of conducting nanofillers and are cross‐linked before examination for gas sensing. The electrical conductivity of the prepared composites is measured and the percolation threshold is calculated for both types of composites. The first aim is to determine compositions slightly above the percolation threshold for later testing of the sensing properties. Swelling/deswelling experiments have also been performed. The dispersion of conducting fillers in SBR matrix is studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques, and the mechanical properties of the pure matrix and all prepared composites are determined by tensile testing. Three organic gases, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, and n ‐hexane, in various mixtures with air are used to examine the ability of the prepared composites to react in their presence by changing the electrical properties. Cyclability of the sensing performance of the composites is also examined. Sensing results reveal the suitability of the prepared SBR‐based materials as sensors for harmful solvents and gases widely used in industry.