Dynamics Responses of Graphene Nanoplatelets-Reinforced Polydimethylsiloxane Nanocomposites: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Abstract

Molecular dynamics method is employed to characterize the mechanical properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) materials reinforced by graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). Modeling results demonstrate that the addition of GNPs to PDMS significantly improves the damping properties of PDMS at high temperatures. The underlying physical mechanism is further investigated, and it is found that the interfacial interactions between the GNPs and PDMS play a crucial role in the energy dissipation capabilities. At elevated temperatures, a decrease in the interaction energy between the GNPs and PDMS matrix is observed, increasing the interfacial shipment, and improving the energy dissipation. In addition, GNPs will reflect more impact energy at a higher temperature. This study provides valuable insights into the use of GNPs for the improvement of the damping performance of PDMS materials at high temperatures.