Low effective content of reduced graphene oxide/silver nanowire hybrids in epoxy composites with enhanced conductive properties

Abstract

Hybrids of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) (RGO/AgNWs) with different ratios were prepared, characterized and added in epoxy resins as conductive fillers. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated graphene oxide had been reduced to RGO. X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the hybrids could be formed by RGO and AgNWs, the graphene restacking might be prevented with RGO embedding in the unconnected spaces of AgNWs when the ratio of RGO: AgNWs was 1:2. Dynamic mechanical properties and electrical resistivities as well as thermal conductivity have been measured for the obtained epoxy nanocomposites. At low content of 0.6 wt% RGO/AgNWs (1:2), higher storage modulus of 2831 MPa, appropriate electrical resistivities of 4.8 $$\times \hspace{0.17em}$$ 108 Ω cm and thermal conductivity increased by 66.7% could be obtained for antistatic and thermal conductive applications.