Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Item
    Effect of Graphite Nanoplate Morphology on the Dispersion and Physical Properties of Polycarbonate Based Composites
    (Basel : MDPI, 2017-5-18) Müller, Michael Thomas; Hilarius, Konrad; Liebscher, Marco; Lellinger, Dirk; Alig, Ingo; Pötschke, Petra
    The influence of the morphology of industrial graphite nanoplate (GNP) materials on their dispersion in polycarbonate (PC) is studied. Three GNP morphology types were identified, namely lamellar, fragmented or compact structure. The dispersion evolution of all GNP types in PC is similar with varying melt temperature, screw speed, or mixing time during melt mixing. Increased shear stress reduces the size of GNP primary structures, whereby the GNP aspect ratio decreases. A significant GNP exfoliation to individual or few graphene layers could not be achieved under the selected melt mixing conditions. The resulting GNP macrodispersion depends on the individual GNP morphology, particle sizes and bulk density and is clearly reflected in the composite's electrical, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. Based on a comparison with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB), CNT are recommended in regard to electrical conductivity, whereas, for thermal conductive or gas barrier application, GNP is preferred.
  • Item
    Bio-inspired deposition of electrochemically exfoliated graphene layers for electrical resistance heating applications
    (Bristol : IOP Publishing, 2020-12-4) Utech, Toni; Pötschke, Petra; Simon, Frank; Janke, Andreas; Kettner, Hannes; Paiva, Maria; Zimmerer, Cordelia
    Electrochemically exfoliated graphene (eeG) layers possess a variety of potential applications, e.g. as susceptor material for contactless induction heating in dynamic electro-magnetic fields, and as flexible and transparent electrode or resistivity heating elements. Spray coating of eeG dispersions was investigated in detail as a simple and fast method to deposit both, thin conducting layers and ring structures on polycarbonate substrates. The spray coating process was examined by systematic variation of dispersion concentration and volume applied to heated substrates. Properties of the obtained layers were characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, SEM and Confocal Scanning Microscopy. Electrical conductivity of eeG ring structures was measured using micro-four-point measurements. Modification of eeG with poly(dopamine) and post-thermal treatment yields in the reduction of the oxidized graphene proportion, an increase in electrical conductivity, and mechanical stabilization of the deposited thin layers. The chemical composition of modified eeG layer was analyzed via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy pointing to the reductive behavior of poly(dopamine). Application oriented experiments demonstrate the direct electric current heating (Joule-Heating) effect of spray-coated eeG layers.
  • Item
    Polylactic Acid/Carbon Nanoparticle Composite Filaments for Sensing
    (Basel : MDPI, 2021-3-15) Silva, Mariana M.; Lopes, Paulo E.; Li, Yilong; Pötschke, Petra; Ferreira, Fernando N.; Paiva, Maria C.
    Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bio-based, biodegradable polymer that presents high potential for biomedical and sensing applications. Ongoing works reported in the literature concern mainly applications based on 3D printing, while textile applications are hindered by the limited flexibility of PLA and its composite filaments. In the present work, PLA/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite filaments were produced with enhanced flexibility and electrical conductivity, which may be applied on a textile structure. A biodegradable plasticizer was incorporated in the nanocomposites, aiming at improving MWCNT dispersion and increasing the flexibility of the filaments. Filaments were produced with a range of compositions and their morphology was characterized as well as their thermal, thermomechanical, and electrical properties. Selected compositions were tested for sensing activity using saturated acetone vapor, demonstrating a suitable response and potential for the application in fabrics with sensing capacity.