Graphene Cladded Fabric Reinforced Nano-Composite for Electronic Applications

Abstract

A novel approach was idealized to overcome the dispersion problem of Graphene in usual solution cast conductive nano-composites. Significant increase in AC conductivity was observed in the rGo coated Nylon fabric embedded PMMA matrix that makes it perfect for electronic applications. NaNO3-free Improved hummers method was used to synthesize Graphene Oxide involving Graphite powder as a precursor. Graphite powder was mixed with KMnO4 and was stirred with H2SO4 and H3PO4 (9:1). For reaction termination H2O2 was used and the supernatant was subsequently washed and filtered. Nylon fabric was coated by GO solution having concentration of 2.5mg/ml and then chemically reduced using Hydrazine obtaining rGO cladded textile. Afterwards, we incorporated Graphene cladded Nylon fabric in PMMA matrix via solution casting. The XRD graphs confirmed corresponding phase and crystallinity shift of Graphite to GO and then rGO. FTIR and UV-Visible spectroscopy confirmed relative absorption and tansmission peaks characteristic for GO and rGO. SEM micrographs supported the morphology analysis for GO,rGO, cladded and uncoated fabrics. Impedance analysis predicts that our PMMA composite can behave well in smart or intelligent textile applications.