Enhanced Electrical and Thermal Performance of Wet-Laid Based Graphite-Laminated Carbon Non-woven Composite

Abstract

This study presents the facile synthesis of an electrically conductive carbon-based non-woven composite using a wet-laid bonding process. A highly stable composite of graphite nanoplatelets (GnPs) was attached to the non-woven fabric to be used for thermal and electrical applications. The GnPs were coated through lamination or attached using a modified wet-laid method. Different carbon fibre and graphite nanoplatelets and their composites were prepared. Their properties were investigated using field emission-scanning electron microscopy, wide-angle x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical, thermal, and electromagnetic interference shielding analyser. The laminated structure showed a very high electrical conductivity of 13,960.5 S/m, thermal distribution of 30.11 mm2/s, and electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency of more than 99.99%. The prepared composite also showed good flexibility and the potential for use in wearable devices. Thus, it can be said that this highly functional composite non-woven design provides a foundation for the development of more functional applications in e-textiles as next generation electrical devices.