Graphene in textile

Purpose and goal

The purpose has been to enhance the electrical conductivity of a yarn by addition of graphene on fiber surface or into the fiber material. The yarn can be used in application of electrical heated garments. A literature review has been the starting point of the coating and melt spinning trials. The electrical conductivity and morphology of the manufactured material has been evaluated. The knowledge and result has regularly been exchanged between the partners which has contributed to fulfillment the goal and expectation.

Expected results and effects

A graphene dip-coating method for yarn has been proven to be a route of manufacturing commercial conductive yarns. Cationizing the surface of fibres has been proven to be an important step to achieve electrical properties of the fiber. Graphene was compounded into the polymer and melt spun. A finding has been that compounding, de-agglomeration and dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) has major impact on the final result. Melt spinning trials indicate that the graphene cause a surface unevenness and it has been hard to reach adequate fiber strength.

Planned approach and implementation

The litterateur study comprised of patent and scientific literature has shown that it is difficult to compare result from different studies since the material and manufacturing route differs. Thus, the state of the art knowledge has been important to review. To find a graphene grade with the right properties inventory of producers has been necessary for the project. To study the yarn coating and melt spinning have given all partner new insight in coating and extrusion technology using graphene. However, the limited number of iterations has been a restraining factor.