Electrospun Graphene Nanosheet-Filled Poly(Trimethylene Terephthalate) Composite Fibers: Effects of the Graphene Nanosheet Content on Morphologies, Electrical Conductivity, Crystallization Behavior, and Mechanical Properties.

Chien-Lin Huang,Wei-Zhi Liang,Hsuan-Hua Wu,Yung-Ching Jeng

doi:10.3390/polym11010164

Abstract

In this study the effects of increased graphene nanosheet (GNS) concentration on variations in the structure and properties of electrospun GNS-filled poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT/GNS) composite fiber, such as its morphologies, crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity, were investigated. The effects of GNS addition on solution rheology and conductivity were also investigated. GNSs were embedded in the fibers and formed protrusions. The PTT cold crystallization rate of PTT/GNS composite fibers increased with the gradual addition of GNSs. A PTT mesomorphic phase was formed during electrospinning, and GNSs could induce the PTT mesomorphic phase significantly during PTT/GNS composite fiber electrospinning. The PTT/GNS composite fiber mats (CFMs) became ductile with the addition of GNSs. The elastic recoveries of the PTT/GNS CFMs with 170 °C annealing were better than those of the as-spun PTT/GNS CFMs. Percolation scaling laws were applied to the magnitude of conductivity to reveal the percolation network of electrospun PTT/GNS CFMs. The electrical conductivity mechanism of the PTT/GNS CFMs differed from that of the PTT/GNS composite films. Results showed that the porous structure of the PTT CFMs influenced the performance of the mats in terms of electrical conductivity.

Highlights

Graphene nanosheets (GNSs) that are several of nanometers thick and their related materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are promising functional nanofillers for advanced applications because of their outstanding mechanical and electrical properties and large surface areas [1]
Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) composite powders filled with well-dispersed GNSs were prepared via coagulation, and the composite powders were re-dissolved in a trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) solvent to obtain a well-dispersed Poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/Graphene Nanosheet (PTT/GNS) solution
PTT composite powders filled with well-dispersed GNSs were prepared via coagulation, and the composite powders were re-dissolved in a TFA solvent to obtain well-dispersed PTT/GNS solutions

Summary

Introduction

Graphene nanosheets (GNSs) that are several of nanometers thick and their related materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are promising functional nanofillers for advanced applications because of their outstanding mechanical and electrical properties and large surface areas [1]. GNS-filled and CNT-filled polymer composites can be used in high-conductivity applications, such as electrostatic discharge devices [2], electromagnetic interference (EMI)-shielding materials [3,4], sensors [5], electrical switching [6], ambipolar field-effect transistors [7,8], and electrodes [9]. Polymer/GNS composites are widely being explored because GNSs are affordable and effective alternatives to CNTs. Electrospinning has attracted increasing attention in recent years as a method for fabricating polymeric fibers. Electrospun fibers filled with GNS or CNT can increase the functional properties of fibers for advanced applications. Su et al [11] reported that

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Results

Conclusion