The graphene-polyurethane foam-coated fabric with excellent photo-thermal property

Abstract

Graphene-polyurethane (GR-PU) foam-coated fabric with good photo-thermal and heat insulation property were prepared using the simple and safe method of mechanical foaming with graphene, polyurethane, and cotton fabrics. The result showed that the temperature rise of the foam-coated fabric was 67 °C under simulated sunlight when the foaming ratio was 200 % and the graphene concentration was 1 wt% comparing to the original fabric with 37 °C. In addition, the heat insulation ability was also improved. The cross-plane thermal conductivity was 0.264 W·m−1·K−1 comparing to the original fabric with 0.361 W·m−1·K−1. At this point, the foam had a uniform size with a distribution density of 78 per 7.84 mm2 and contained a large amount of air contributing to the improvement of the photo-thermal and heat insulation property. The foam-coated fabric could be applied in the field of heat preservation and temperature regulation.