Conducting glass fibers of giant thermosensitivity by cladding drawing

Abstract

Strong and conducting glass fibers are produced from reduced graphene oxide and soda-lime-silica (rGO/SLS) glass by a novel process of cladding drawing. GO nanosheets are bound to the SLS glass particles through an electrostatic assembly and are well distributed in the hot-pressed rGO/SLS bulk composites. These bulks are subsequently BN-cladded, from which rGO/SLS fibers are drawn. Results confirm the rGO sheets are well dispersed inside the fibers and become wrinkled due to the contraction of glass matrix while cooling. Mechanical properties of as-prepared fibers have been greatly improved, with tensile strength two times that of pure SLS fibers. As rGO concentration increases, a conducting network of rGO sheets forms along the fibers, which can survive intensive wear. Thanks to the wrinkled configuration of rGO sheets, the conductivity of the composite fibers is extremely sensitive to temperature, nearly 25 times that of flat rGO sheets, making the fibers potential built-in temperature sensors.