Mechanically enhanced electrically conductive films from polymerization of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene with wood microfibers

Abstract

This study was aimed at enhancing the mechanical properties of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) using wood microfibers. Ultra fine friction grinding was conducted on wood particles to reduce their size to the micron scale and to induce fibrillation. Oxidative polymerization was performed on 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer at seven dosages based on the content of microfibers in the formulation. The presence of PEDOT:PSS in the prepared films was verified by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The composite films became stronger and stiffer as the fiber content increased. An EDOT:microfibers ratio of 33 wt % was considered the best among the seven tested levels, judging from their low sheet resistivity (340 Ω/sq.) and favorable tensile properties (38 MPa strength and 4.8 GPa stiffness). The selected films were also tested for their resistance to solvents to obtain information about their potential use in different environments. Among the tested solvents, sodium hydroxide greatly decreased the film conductivity. It also had the harshest effect on reducing the weight of the film. Findings from this study demonstrate the successful use of wood microfibers alternative to synthetic substrates and cellulose nanofiber as a supportive and reinforcing material for electrically conductive polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45127.

Multifunctional Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/Crystalline Nanofibrous Cellulose Composites for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Electronics

“…Here, one clear aspect is that efficient mechanical energy transfer was not established between H-bonds and π−π interactions, which were major intra/intermolecular binding mechanisms in SACN and PEDOT, respectively. 41 However, the notable point here is that reinforcing the PEDOT, which was too brittle to be measured in a mechanical test, was still effective with a certain ratio of PEDOT to SACN; the films processed with 0.033 M EDOT. Probably, just very thin PEDOT layers on SACN could preserve the beneficial nanofibrous nature in terms of transferring mechanical disintegration energy throughout the composite film, aligned with the rule of mixture.…”

“…This reduction in mechanical properties can be attributed to the hindered formation of H-bonds as well as intertwining of SACN by brittle PEDOT within the SACN–PEDOT2 films. Here, one clear aspect is that efficient mechanical energy transfer was not established between H-bonds and π–π interactions, which were major intra/intermolecular binding mechanisms in SACN and PEDOT, respectively . However, the notable point here is that reinforcing the PEDOT, which was too brittle to be measured in a mechanical test, was still effective with a certain ratio of PEDOT to SACN; the films processed with 0.033 M EDOT.…”

Current State of Applications of Nanocellulose in Flexible Energy and Electronic Devices

“…The obtained nanofilms displayed a high conductivity of 1.22 S.cm −1 and tensile strength of about 162 MPa. Hafez et al (2017) and Ko et al (2017) utilized an environmentally friendly approach to produce nanocellulosebased conductive materials in aqueous solution. Poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) acted as conductive layer on the cellulose nanofibers.…”