Preparation of graphene-starch composite film and its application in sensor materials

Abstract

In this work, a composite film was prepared by combining reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and starch nanocrystals (SNC). The results show that SNC can be well dispersed on graphene after mixed with the graphene oxide solutions. SNC had a greater impact on the morphology and microstructure of the composite film. Moreover, the introduction of SNC and the efficient reduction process of graphene oxide (GO) render these composite films good mechanical properties as well as high electrical conductivity. The tensile strength of the composite film was improved after being combined with graphene. However, as the addition rate of SNC increased, the strain-to-failure of the composite film decreased. Therefore, 10% reduced graphene-starch nanocrystals (10%RGO-SNC) was used as multifunctional sensor materials. And it had strong responses to different external stimuli, such as, temperature, humidity, bending/stretching, and solutions.