Study on the Performance of Styrene–Butadiene/Butyl Rubber Blends Modified by In Situ Copper Surface Modification of Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Conductive elastomers with low filler loading remain challenging due to MWCNT agglomeration and poor conductive network continuity. In this work, MWCNT/Cu₂O hybrid fillers were prepared via a hydrothermal method and incorporated into SBR/IIR composites at a fixed total loading of 1 phr. Cu₂O particles anchored onto MWCNT surfaces improved filler dispersion and promoted localized three-dimensional conductive pathways within the rubber matrix. The optimized hybrid system exhibited significantly reduced surface resistivity and charge transfer resistance, together with a 31.4% increase in thermal conductivity, while maintaining favorable mechanical flexibility. The synergistic interaction between MWCNTs and Cu₂O enhanced electron and phonon transport efficiency, providing an effective strategy for developing multifunctional conductive elastomers for flexible electronic applications.