Influence of electroless NiP/graphene coating on treated woven ramie fiber and its characterization

Abstract

Over the years, several researchers have attempted to develop a functional surface through coating technology. However, developing a natural fiber into a functional material continues to be a challenging task. Herein, in the current study, an attempt is made to deposit nickel-phosphorus (NiP)/Graphene (Gr) on the surface of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treated ramie fiber (RF) to improve its electrical conductivity and wettability. The influence of NaOH treatment, NiP/Gr coating on the fiber surface is studied by microstructural analysis, elemental compositions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), wettability, and electrical conductivity. The obtained results confirm the presence of NiP and Graphene on the treated-coated ramie fiber with intensity peaks at 45° and 28°. The analysis of the microstructures reveal the cauliflower and flakes structure of NiP and graphene. The NaOH-treated and NiP-coated sample (T/NiP/RF) has enhanced electrical conductivity of 56.7% when compared to the untreated NiP-coated sample (NiP/RF), whereas the addition of graphene (T/NiP/Gr/RF) increases the electrical conductivity by 74% (14.85 (Ω cm)-1) compared to T/NiP/RF (8.54 (Ω cm)-1).