Notable electrical and mechanical properties of polyacrylamide (PAM) with graphene oxide (GO) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)

Abstract In the present investigation, a polyacrylamide (PAM) – graphene oxide (GO)-single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) composite has been prepared through a cost effective solution cast method and physical properties (electrical and mechanical) measurements have been carried out. The GO sheets contain oxygen functional groups which enhance the interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix, while the SWNTs act as wires joining the GO together in the composite matrix. This interconnected network creates a conducting path, lowering film resistance and improving PAM films’ electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Raman study demonstrated that carbon nanofiller (SWNTs, GO) and polymer PAM have good interfacial bonding. The electrical conductivity and mechanical characteristics (hardness and elastic modulus) of these composite films were enhanced at a loading of 15 wt% GO and 15 wt% SWNTs in PAM matrix. Electrical conductivity of GO (15 wt%) – SWNTs (15 wt%)-PAM composite film was found to be 2.8 × 10 −2 S/cm, which is five orders of magnitude higher than that of the PAM polymer. In comparison to pure PAM polymer, the elastic modulus and hardness are found to be 1.14 and 65 times higher, respectively.