Experimental Modal Analysis Study on Graphene Filled SBR

Rubbers are widely used in many engineering applications such as tubes, timing belt, tires etc. Apart from its functional use, it can also be used as damping material in many applications in order to dampen the vibrations transmitted from one structure to another. The present research work focuses on the development of Graphene filled (CB) Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and its performances are compared with Carbon Black (CB) filled SBR. Both of these rubber samples were investigated for its mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength. Experimental modal analysis (EMA) was also carried out to examine the dynamic characteristics such as damping and natural frequency along with its mode shapes for the prepared samples and compared. It is observed from the results that the inclusion of graphene in SBR improved its vibrational characteristics in addition to the improvement of mechanical properties.