Electrically conductive nano graphite-filled bacterial cellulose composites.

Published: 2016

Author(s):
Kiziltas, E. E.
Kiziltas, A.
Rhodes, K.
Emanetoglu, N.
Blumentritt, M.
Gardner, D. J.

Publication Name: Carbohydrate Polymers

Publication URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861715009832?casa_token=YdwLb17WkX0AAAAA:gFa_WDa5w_lZ1nQQdgYRv2XxB219ANeAu2S5xsHsFWBaakQt6n-2KT7UpkHQQiFI_K99tKeHItQ

Research Area:
Keywords:
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Abstract:

A unique three dimensional (3D) porous structured bacterial cellulose (BC) can act as a supporting material to deposit the nanofillers in order to create advanced BC-based functional nanomaterials for various technological applications. In this study, novel nanocomposites comprised of BC with exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) incorporated into the BC matrix were prepared using a simple particle impregnation strategy to enhance the thermal properties and electrical conductivity of the BC. The flake-shaped xGnP particles were well dispersed and formed a continuous network throughout the BC matrix. The temperature at 10% weight loss, thermal stability and residual ash content of the nanocomposites increased at higher xGnP loadings. The electrical conductivity of the composites increased with increasing xGnP loading (attaining values 0.75 S/cm with the addition of 2 wt.% of xGnP). The enhanced conductive and thermal properties of the BC–xGnP nanocomposites will broaden applications (biosensors, tissue engineering, etc.) of BC and xGnP.