Modification of cotton yarns utilizing graphene ink to functionalized as conductivity

Abstract

In this study, the oxidation and reduction method was combined with chemical and hydrothermal method to prepare graphene ink for high electrical conductivity. The prepared ink samples were subsequently analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an X-ray dispersion spectrometer (EDS). The resulting samples displayed a deposition of extremely thin slices and consistent geometric shapes with a thickness from 3 to 1 nm. Moreover, the weighty and atomic ratios of carbon and oxygen in the samples were 48.75 and 36.59%, respectively; the carbon ratio was higher than the oxygen ratio. Open-end, carded, and combed cotton yarn samples were coated using the surface coating technique. The tensile strength of the treated cotton yarns was tested and analyzed. On the open-end yarn sample’s surface, thin slices of graphene were densely present. Additionally, the open-end yarn’s atomic ratios of carbon and oxygen were 5.4 and 7.3%, respectively. Sample’s electrical resistance was constant even after 12 washes; the open-end yarn had the lowest electrical resistance. The suitability of the treated yarns for use in heat generation applications was studied. As a result, by increasing the applied voltage and the number of graphene ink layers, the open-end yarn temperature rises to 55 °C. The open-end yarn temperature was increased by increasing the number of applied graphene layers. This finding suggests that these yarns could be used in wearable smart textiles that generate heat.