**1. Introduction**

#### **1.1 Elastomers**

Elastomers exhibit rubber-like behavior [1–4]. They are characterized by weak intermolecular forces, ease of deformation at ambient temperatures, low modulus of elasticity, and can stretch to high ultimate strains. Also, elastomers manifest good heat resistance. To sum up, elastomers are characterized by: (i) their amorphous high molecular mass molecular chains that are randomly coiled; (ii) bonds in the elastomer molecules freely rotate or extend in response to any applied strain; (iii) glass transition temperature for elastomers ought to be lower than their service temperatures; and (iv) a low degree of vulcanization to control shape [1–4].

Elastomers have low mechanical, thermal, and electrical conductivity properties. Compounding elastomeric materials with fillers results in composites with an average mix of properties of the original constituents. Owing to their properties and their low cost, they have established their niche in several technological applications that include automotive, aerospace, military, conveyor belts, packaging, healthcare, and numerous others.

Elastomers constitute the polymeric matrix in the production of elastomer-based nanocomposites that possess improved properties [5–12]. On the other hand, elastomeric nanocomposites demand different preparative and processing procedures as

compared with polymer-based nanocomposites. The process of their cross-linking is different and requires the use of an activator.

The incorporation of inorganic fillers such as silica nanoparticles, layered silicates (clay), carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and other nanomaterials results in the production of high-performance elastomeric nanocomposites [6, 13–18]. The final properties of the nanocomposite are affected by the type of filler involved due to differences in their structural and geometrical characteristics.

### **1.2 Graphene**

Graphene (GE) is 2D a carbon allotrope consisting of sp2 hybridized carbons, which are arranged in a honeycomb lattice [19, 20]. It is a single-atom-thick nanostructured sheet that is considered the basic building block for graphene-based fillers [21–23]. Because of its unique exceptional properties, graphene has emerged as a very promising nanomaterial. It is one of the strongest materials and a good conductor of heat and electricity; it is optically transparent and impermeable to gases [24–26]. In **Figure 1**, the graphene hexagonal honeycomb chemical structure is represented [27]. Some notable properties of graphene are listed in **Table 1** [28].

Once the mass-produced graphene has qualities comparable to those produced in research laboratories, it will be of greater interest in applications [33–35]. However, there are still various barriers and risks to overcome [36].

#### **Figure 1.**

*Graphene hexagonal honeycomb chemical structure and its remarkable physical properties. The black dots are carbon atoms [27].*


#### **Table 1.**

*Some notable properties of graphene [28].*

*Processing of Graphene/Elastomer Nanocomposites: A Minireview DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104849*

Polymer nanocomposites reinforced by a single- and few-layer graphene have demonstrated significant improvements in various properties [37]. Another encouraging factor in the use of graphene in polymer nanocomposites is that it has been realized that a minute quantity of can leads to significant enhancements in properties, Undoubtedly, graphene is a favorite candidate for the use in nanocomposites. Emphasis will be given here to the techniques used in the preparation of graphene, elastomers, and nanocomposites, along with the physicochemical aspects and attributes reported and the applications of the final materials.

This chapter will be concerned with the processing and properties of graphene/ elastomer nanocomposites.
