Electrically conductive composite textiles modified with graphene using sol-gel method

Abstract

Electrically conductive composite polypropylene and poly(ethylene terephtalate) fabrics were obtained by coating with organo-silicon sol containing dispersed graphene particles. The graphene-modified coating was deposited on the fabric using the sol-gel method and the padding technique. To improve bonding of the coating to the fiber surfaces, the latter were activated with atmospheric pressure plasma in the form of corona discharge. The activation resulted in chemical and structural changes of the surfaces, roughening, and the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups, as evidenced by SEM with 3D analysis, EDS and XPS, and also measurements of contact angles with liquids. The padding with graphene-containing organo-silicon sol imparted electrical conductivity to the polymer fabrics. It was found that the pre-coating activation improved durability of the coating and stability of the electrical properties due to better bonding between the conducting coating and the fiber surfaces.