Abstract:
Conductive, stretchable and flexible nanocomposites using a modified approach were
synthesized. Graphene, a marvelous material was incorporated in the form of
nanoplatelets in PS-PI-PS triblock copolymer employing solvent blending technique
as to enhance its thermal, electrical and mechanical properties. SEM, FT-IR, UV/VIS
and XRD techniques were employed for the structural elucidation of GNPs and the
prepared nanocomposites which also confirmed the homogenous dispersion at nano
level. DSC data has revealed increase in both glass transition temperature and
crystallization temperature. TGA analysis confirmed that almost 26 °C increment in
decomposition temperature of polystyrene region has been observed and
nanocomposites are thermally stable up to 350 °C. Nanocomposites are mechanically
strong due to reinforcement of GNPs with 90% increase in Young’s modulus and
97% increase in tensile strength. The matrix was highly insulating with 5.4 x10-17
Sm-1 conductivity. As the GNPs were incorporated a dramatic change in electrical
conductivity was observed with improvement up to 1.0982 Sm-1at 25% loading.
Percolation threshold with a minimum concentration of nearly 5wt.% of conducting
GNPs was observed. Such a material with enhanced electrical, mechanical and
thermal properties also possessing flexibility and stretchability is a potential
candidate for advanced applications such as electronic skin, pressure sensing devices,
EMI shielding and stretchable electronics.
