Silicone‐modified graphene oxide fillers via the Piers‐Rubinsztajn reaction

While graphene or graphene oxide can make significant improvements in the properties of a wide variety of polymeric materials, their incorporation can be challenged by incompatibility with the polymeric matrix. The modification of graphene oxide with silicones or silanes using the Piers‐Rubinsztajn reaction improves dispersibility in nonpolar materials, including organic solvents and silicone pre‐elastomers. A high loading (up to 10 wt %) of modified graphene oxide in silicone elastomers could be achieved, which resulted in enhanced mechanical performance and reduced gas permeability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2379–2385 Graphene oxide can be surface treated by silylation using the Piers‐Rubinsztajn reaction. The resulting material is readily dispersed in silicone elastomers, where it increases physical performance and barrier properties.