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

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 degrees and 28 degrees. 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 (O cm)(-1)) compared to T/NiP/RF (8.54 (O cm)(-1)).

Automated summary

In this study, NiP/Graphene was deposited on the surface of NaOH-treated ramie fiber to enhance its electrical conductivity and wettability. Various analysis methods were used to investigate the effects of different treatments and coatings on the fiber surface. The results showed that the treated-coated fiber exhibited the presence of NiP and Graphene, resulting in a significant increase in electrical conductivity by 56.7% and 74%.