Electrical conductivity enhancement in thermoplastic polyurethane-graphene nanoplatelet composites by stretch-release cycles

P. Cataldi, L. Ceseracciu, Sergio Marras, A. Athanassiou, I.S. Bayer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study shows that electrical conductivity and elastic modulus of conductive thermoplastic elastomers containing graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) can be significantly enhanced by exposing them to stretch-release cycles, without exceeding 20% of the maximum strain. Although no alignment of GnPs in any specific direction was detected, this enhancement was found to occur due to redistribution of the GnPs within the polymer matrix undergoing repeated stretch-release cycles. Up to 60% of reduction in electrical resistance and 30% enhancement in elastic modulus were measured for certain nanocomposites at the end of 1000 cycles. Processing of such GnP nanocomposites with stretch-release cycles could constitute an innovative approach to enhance their electrical and mechanical properties.
Original languageEnglish
JournalApplied Physics Letters
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Mar 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Electrical conductivity enhancement in thermoplastic polyurethane-graphene nanoplatelet composites by stretch-release cycles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this