GRAPHENE/CELLULOSE NANOCOMPOSITE FILMS WITH HIGH ELECTRICAL PERFORMANCE

Graphene-based nanocomposites are emerging as new class of materials that hold promise for several applications. The excellent mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, combining with its ultrahigh surface area and economical sources, make graphene a promising nanoscale filler for the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites. This paper presents the preparation of regenerated cellulose (RC)/graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanocomposite films via a ‘green’ ionic liquid solvent, 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium acetate (EMIMAc). The electrical conductivity and thermal oxidative properties of regenerated cellulose nanocomposites films were studied. The nanocomposite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The incorporation of GNP into cellulose matrix generated electrical conductivity. At 5 wt. % of GNP, the electrical conductivity was 2.3 × 10-4 S/cm. Presence of GNP also enhanced the thermal-oxidative stability and char yield of RC. XRD analysis revealed a cellulose II crystalline structure for the nanocomposite films