An experimental investigation of the physical properties of the graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite

• We prepare a composite of GN/MWCNTs by simple purification method as well as grinding process.
• We examine microwave absorption ability, morphological, structural and thermal characteristics of GN/MWCNTs composite.
• Fewer pores, smoother surface and decreasing in particle size enhance dispersion properties of GN–MWCNTs composite.
• Purified and ground GN–MWCNTs shows 3.89% and 4.29% thermal conductivity enhancement at 20 °C and 40 °C respectively.

In this present work, the physical characteristics of the graphene/MWCNTs composite have been studied. Surface modification has been done by grinding process and acid treatment where planetary ball milling (PBM) machine for grinding in aqueous circumstance and a mixture of HNO3 and H2SO4 for acid treatment have been executed. Though, there are many researches of GN and MWCNTs nanoparticles based on individually as well as combined with other nanoparticles have been accomplished, reports on the combination of these two nanoparticles are negligible. In this paper, IR thermography, morphological and structural characteristics of modified GN–MWCNTs by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and dispersibility analysis by sedimentation, UV–Vis spectroscopy, electric conductivity and thermal conductivity measurements have been presented in order to report the characteristics of GN/MWCNTs composite. Acid treatment as well as wet grinding of GN/MWCNTs composite at 500 rpm for 2 h gives the highest thermal conductivity enhancement which is 4.29% at 40 °C.

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