STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research

Electroactive Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposites for Self-Sustaining and Multifunctional Flexible Devices

  1. J. Lurdhumary Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Sri Sairam Institute of Technology, Chennai
  2. Suguna B. Rao Department of civil Engineering, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru
  3. S. Nooray Sashmi Department of Research and Innovation, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai
  4. Praveen Vundrajavarapu Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.R.K.R Engineering College, Bhimavaram
  5. V.G. Pratheep Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Velalar College of Engineering and Technology, Erode
  6. G. Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar Department of Physics, R.M.K. Engineering College, Kavaraipettai
  7. V. Pandyaraj Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Chennai
  8. K. Manimekalai Department of Physics, St.Joseph's Institute of Technology, OMR, Chennai
  9. Zakir Hussain Department of Chemical Technology, Loyola Academy, Secunderabad

Abstract

Graphene–reinforced polymer–composites were developed and systematically investigated to explore their multifunctionality in flexible electronic applications. The study specifically aims to correlate graphene-induced structure–property–function relationships with electroactive performance and self-sustaining behaviour in flexible devices. The hybridization of electroactive polymers—polyaniline (PANI), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulphonate (PEDOT:PSS), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)—with graphene nanoplatelets enabled simultaneous enhancement of electroactivity, energy-harvesting, and sensing functionalities. Morphological studies confirmed uniform graphene dispersion at 5 wt.% loading, forming continuous filler–matrix percolation networks, while higher loadings caused agglomeration detrimental to composite homogeneity. XRD analysis revealed graphene-induced nucleation of the β-phase in PVDF–polymer–composites, directly enhancing electroactive crystallinity. Electrochemical testing showed conductivity of PEDOT:PSS–graphene composites increased from 1.2 × 10³ S/m to 4.6 × 10³ S/m, with capacitance rising from 180 to 315 F/g, highlighting the synergy between the polymer matrix and nanofiller. Charge–discharge cycling yielded an energy density of 32 Wh/kg with 92% retention after 5000 cycles. Self-sensing studies demonstrated that PVDF–graphene composites generated consistent outputs of ~2.8 V after 10,000 cycles, while PANI–graphene polymer–composites achieved a gauge factor of ~65.3 with linear piezoresistive response. Hybrid piezoelectric–triboelectric polymer–composite films harvested 50 µW/cm² under 5 Hz excitation, enabling a 100 μF capacitor to charge to 3.2 V in 150 s and power an LED. Mechanical testing showed tensile strength improved by ~65% (from 35 to 58 MPa) with preserved flexibility after 10,000 bending cycles. These integrated electroactive, sensing, and mechanical properties demonstrate the multifunctional nature of the developed composites, making them strong candidates for next-generation wearable, self-powered flexible devices.

Keywords

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