Flexible dielectric ZnO‐doped reduced graphene oxide bionanocomposites from solution blending for potential application in bio‐related devices

Abstract

Biocompatible materials with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss have applications in bio-related electronic devices. Development of flexible materials with those properties is still a challenge. In this work, electrospun membranes and films are prepared from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CS) solutions, incorporated with a reduced graphene oxide-zinc oxide composite (rGO-ZnO). Blending CS with flexible PVA favors electrospinnability and mechanical properties. ZnO contributes to hinder agglomeration of conductive rGO sheets. The structural, mechanical, dielectric and electrical properties of the hybrid materials are investigated. Infrared spectroscopy reveals interaction between the filler and the polymeric components.For mats and films, the increase in rGO-ZnO content leads to lower crystallinity. The Young's modulus and stress at break values increase with increasing rGO-ZnO content. High dielectric constants (ε' = 132 to ε' = 166, at 10 3 Hz), associated with low dielectric loss factor (tan δ = 0.02), are determined for the PVA/CS/rGO-ZnO films.

Preparation and characterizations of antibacterial and electroactive polymeric composites for wound healing applications

“…The addition of conducting G‐ZnO and glycerol into PVA‐CS, makes it electroactive, enabling it for effective conduction and distribution of electrical stimulation to the skin tissues at the wound site. An rGO‐ZnO based polymeric composites developed by a Gouvêa et al exhibited conductivities in the range between 8 10 −5 S/m and 4 10 −4 S/m 25 . Even though GO is more biocompatible, it is weaker in electrical conductivity in comparison to rGO.…”

“…An rGO-ZnO based polymeric composites developed by a Gouvêa et al exhibited conductivities in the range between 8 Â 10 À5 S/m and 4 Â 10 À4 S/m. 25 Even though GO is more biocompatible, it is weaker in electrical conductivity in comparison to rGO. But, in the present work, the conductivities after the incorporation of G-ZnO were found to be improved and were of the range between 10 À5 and 10 À4 .…”

“…Various studies on multifunctional polymer composite fabrication have been reported previously. Gouvêa et al fabricated rGO‐ZnO incorporated PVA/CS nanofibers for bio‐related devices, where the nanofibers exhibited low dielectric loss and better electrical conductivity 25 . Venkataprasanna et al prepared GO/CuO nanoparticles incorporated PVA/CS nanocomposite for wound healing applications 26 .…”

“…Gouvêa et al fabricated rGO-ZnO incorporated PVA/CS nanofibers for bio-related devices, where the nanofibers exhibited low dielectric loss and better electrical conductivity. 25 Venkataprasanna et al prepared GO/CuO nanoparticles incorporated PVA/CS nanocomposite for wound healing applications. 26 The incorporated nanoparticle system significantly played a major role in enhancing the antimicrobial property as well as the cell proliferation on the polymer nanocomposite.…”

Barrier and Biodegradable Properties of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Reinforced with ZnO-Decorated Graphene Rendering it Antibacterial

“…The antibacterial activity of gram-positive bacteria was much stronger than that of gram-negative bacteria, and the films had great potential in food packaging. Gouvêa et al reported that reduced graphene oxide (rGO)–ZnO was added to the mixed solution of PVA and chitosan to prepare electrospun membranes and films. Adding rGO-ZnO was helpful in increasing Young’s modulus and stress at break values.…”