Effects of weaving structure and reduced graphene oxide application on electrical conductivity of woven fabrics

Abstract

This paper reports a comprehensive evaluation of electrical conductivity characteristics of woven fabrics. Stainless steel weft yarn and polyester warp yarn have been selected to fabricate plain and twill woven fabrics with two different densities. In order to improve electrical conductivity characteristics of woven fabrics, the fabrics are treated with reduced graphene oxide. Electrical conductivity of samples is analyzed in accordance with fabric structure. Furthermore, the effect of reduced graphene oxide treatment on electrical conductivity of samples has also been investigated. The structural identification of samples is evaluated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that the electrical conductivity of fabrics improves with increase in density, and weave structure also affects the electrical conductivity. After the reduced graphene oxide treatment, the electrical conductivity of samples improves. The optimum conductivity of 442.28 S/m, for high density plain weave fabric dipped in reduced graphene oxide, was recorded.