The effect of tungsten disulfide nanotubes on the properties of silicone adhesives

The effects of tungsten disulfide inorganic nanotubes (INT-WS2) on the bulk and adhesion properties of silicone nanocomposites were investigated. The nanocomposites were prepared using solvent mixing which enhanced the distribution and dispersion of the nanotubes in the high viscosity silicone matrix. The quality of dispersion was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which indicated good dispersion state. It was found that the optimal concentration of INT-WS2 in the nanocomposites was 2 wt%, exhibiting 33% higher storage modulus, 6% improvement in tensile strength, 17% reduction in the coefficient of linear thermal expansion and 13% improvement in shear strength, compared to the neat polymer. Above this threshold value the nanocomposites adhesion properties were reduced.