Influence of fibre type and dipping cycle on graphene adsorption and electrical conductivity of fibres

The influence of fibre type and dipping cycle on the graphene oxide (GO) add-on and the resultant mass-specific resistance has been studied for different fibres. Seven commonly used fibres, viz cotton, viscose, silk, wool, nylon, acrylic and polyester, are selected for the study. A comparative evaluation of GO add-on and the resultant mass-specific resistance of all these fibres are carried out under similar process conditions. Fibres are treated separately with 1% w/v GO solution up to 10 consecutive dipping cycles. Graphene oxide enriched fibres are reduced with sodium dithionite to restore graphene structure. Use of fibre as substrate for experiment eliminates the effect of other structural parameters of either yarn or fabric form. FTIR and UV-vis spectra confirm successful exfoliation of graphite to GO. FTIR study reveals significant chemical interaction of GO with cotton, viscose, nylon, and silk. SEM micrographs show that the graphene sheets are uniformly deposited on the cotton, silk, and nylon. Cotton yields maximum GO add-on and acrylic yields the lowest in all dipping cycles. Lowest mass-specific resistance is obtained in case of cotton, while highest values are obtained in case of acrylic after 10 dipping cycles. Nylon needs lowest amount to GO to achieve the same level of conductivity.