Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan studying graphene under a microscope
In work published in Carbon, Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan and Dr Maria Iliut from the University of Manchester have increased the strength and elasticity of rubber by up to 50% by adding graphene oxide. Rubber films are used in a myriad of objects in daily life, everything from gloves to condoms.
Dr Maria Iliut described how the rubber graphene composite is produced:
We use a form of graphene called graphene oxide, which unlike graphene is stable as a dispersion in water. The rubber materials are also in a form that is stable in water, allowing us to combine them before forming thin films with a process called dip moulding. The important thing here is that because these films are so thin, we need a strengthening filler which is also very thin. Fortunately, graphene is both the thinnest and strongest material we know of.
Two kinds of rubber materials were tested: natural rubber, comprised of polyisoprene, and a man-made rubber, polyurethane. Graphene of different kinds, amounts, and size was added to these. In most cases, the scientists found that the composite materials could be stretched more and with greater force before they broke. Only one tenth of one percent of graphene was needed to make the rubber 50% stronger.
This project emerged from a call by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop a more desirable condom. This material could also be used to make better gloves, sportswear, medical devices and much more.
High quality graphene oxide, along with a wide range of other graphene products, is available for purchase from the Graphitene store.
