Graphene/graphene oxide based coatings for advanced textile applications

Today, graphene oxide has been significantly used in many technological sectors, medical sectors as well in textiles due to its abundant applications and dominant characteristics. Graphene oxide is basically a mono layered material synthesized by the oxidation of graphite by the addition of multiple functional groups containing oxygen such as alcohols, carboxylic acids and epoxides and presenting a 2-diamentional honeycomb structure. On the textile surfaces the grapheme oxide can be applied through Pad dry-cure, Dip dry-cure and Spray coating methods. However, the most appropriate method is dipping of the fabric into the graphene suspension and the process is followed by drying and curing techniques. Initially, the fabric swatches have been cut out in a suitable size according to the padder or adjustments on the machine can also be done. 100% pure cotton, polyester, cotton polyester blend, silk, aramids and acrylics have been used as a substrate for the application of graphene to imparts different functional properties. The oxygen content is reduced resulting the increase in the interlayer spacing’s well as functionalization. The oxygen containing groups have been removed with the repossession of the conjugated structure. The reduced graphene oxide has the higher strength as well as high electrical and thermal conductivity which effect the final performance of a materials.