Preparation of Ag/graphene composite films by three-component spray-spin-spray coating on surface modified PET substrate

Copper nanoparticle decorated non-woven polypropylene fabrics with durable superhydrophobicity and conductivity

In this study, a facile method was prepared to fabricate highly flexible, conductive and superhydrophobic polymer fabrics. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were decorated on polypropylene fabrics using a simple spraying method and superhydrophobicity was obtained after vacuum drying for 4 h without any surface modifier. Accumulation of CuNPs constituted coral-like rough micro-nano structures, forming a stable Cassie model and endowing the surface with dense charge transport pathways, thus resulting in excellent superhydrophobicity (water contact angle ∼159°, sliding angle ∼2.3°) and conductivity (sheet resistance ∼0.92 Ω sq^-1). The fabrics displayed superior waterproof and self-cleaning properties, as well as great sustainability in the water. Additionally, the superhydrophobicity and conductivity can be almost maintained after heat treatment, wear testing, water droplet impinging, weak alkali/acid treatment and repeated bending-kneading tests. These superhydrophobic and conductive fabrics that are free from moisture and pollution can be a reliable candidate to solve the water-penetration issue in the rapid development of flexible electronics.

Preparation and conductive property of Cu coatings and Cu-graphene composite coatings on ABS substrate

A facile, low-cost and environmentally-friendly technique has been developed to prepare highly conductive copper-graphene nanosheet (Cu-GNS) composite coatings on ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) substrate. The surface activation of ABS substrate was obtained by a chrome-free and palladium-free pretreatment consisting of molecular bonding. Before electroplating Cu, the homogeneous single Ag film on ABS surface was achieved by the electroless spray-plating process. In addition, the deposition of Cu and GNS increased in the coatings along with the current density increasing. Four-point-probe test confirmed that the resistivity of Cu coatings (0.08 mΩ mm) and Cu-GNS composite coatings (0.05 mΩ mm) was in the same order of magnitude as pure copper (0.0175 mΩ mm) at high current density. Meanwhile, comparing with the Cu coatings, the resistivity of Cu-GNS composite coatings was reduced by nearly 40% at the same current density. The conductive property was significantly improved owing to the deposition of GNS. Therefore, this work was expected to expand the method of polymer materials surface metallization.