Surface modification of knit polyester fabric for mechanical, electrical and UV protection properties by coating with graphene oxide, graphene and graphene/silver nanocomposites

Abstract

In this paper, we study the elaboration method of knit polyester fabrics coated respectively, with graphene oxide, graphene and graphene/silver nanoparticles using a cost-effective and scalable approach. This coating approach allows for uniform deposition and good adhesion as well as low, diffuse reflectance. Interestingly, the treated fabrics demonstrate good flexibility, stretchability and foldability, while maintaining lightweight and durability. In addition, PES-G (polyester coated by graphene) and PES-G/Ag° (polyester coated by graphene/silver nanoparticles) exhibit uniform low electrical resistivity because of conductive network of graphene nanosheets and silver nanoparticles formed on the surface of polyester fabrics. Furthermore, the incorporation of low amount of silver nanoparticles into fabrics coated graphene exhibit high flexibility as well as UV blocking properties compared with those coated graphene oxide and graphene. Therefore, the results of this study confirm for the first time that silver nanoparticles and graphene coated into polyester fabric can be obtained with high mechanical and UV protection performances using simple approach. These promising results support the idea that the present approach is useful for the fabrication of flexible, stretchable, conductive and UV protector fabrics for diverse applications because of its low cost, large-scale process and compatibility.