| Abstract Scope |
A scalable, solvent-free method was developed to exfoliate non-layered, non–van der Waals nanomaterials directly within an elastomeric matrix using the mechanical shear generated during three-roll milling. Bulk MXene, gallium, boron carbide (B₄C), and boron particles were subjected to intense shear and compressive stresses, producing ultrathin two-dimensional nanosheets without chemical etchants, intercalants, or exfoliation solvents. SEM revealed particle-size reduction and the formation of thinner, sheet-like morphologies, while AFM will quantify nanosheet thickness, lateral dimensions, surface roughness, and aspect ratio. Interfacial coupling was investigated through co-exfoliation of binary nanomaterial combinations to form heterostructures. Raman peak shifts, intensity changes, and linewidth variations indicated changes in strain, defect density, bonding environment, and heterointerface formation. Relative to the neat elastomer, tensile strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity increased by 90–320%, 500–900%, and 120–560%, respectively. Nanoscale characterization by atomic force microscopy will further link nanoscale thermal transport and electrical conductivity to multifunctional performance. |