Flexible and highly conductive composites by impregnation of polydimethylsiloxane in graphite nanoplates paper

This paper deals with the preparation and characterization of conductive and flexible sheets based on graphite nanoplates (GNP) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Highly porous GNP nanopaper were prepared by filtration from a GNP suspension in solvent. Subsequently, the impregnation strategy was pursued to obtain a composite material. By varying the concentration of the solution to be impregnated and the deposition time, PDMS/GNP nanopapers are produced with a range of PDMS content, porosity and density. Thermal diffusivity of the films (both in-plane and cross-plane) were measured and correlated with the structure of the nanopapers. Based on the results found and considering the restraints, three formulations were further investigated for their physical, thermal and mechanical properties. Highly flexible, tough and conductive (up to 25 W/mK) nanopapers were obtained, for possible application in modern electronic devices.