Fabrication of coaxial wet-spun graphene-chitosan biofibers

Authors

Azadehsadat Mirabedini, University of WollongongFollow
Javad Foroughi, University of WollongongFollow
Brianna C. Thompson, University of WollongongFollow
Gordon G. Wallace, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

104983

Publication Details

Mirabedini, A., Foroughi, J., Thompson, B. & Wallace, G. G. (2016). Fabrication of coaxial wet-spun graphene-chitosan biofibers. Advanced Engineering Materials, 18 (2), 284-293.

Abstract

One-step continuous wet-spinning of coaxial electroactive fibres of chitosan/graphene oxide (Chit/GO) via a facile method is introduced for the first time, eliminating the need for posttreatment processes. Spinnability of coaxial fibres as well as their characterization for several properties is investigated. L-ascorbic acid was found to reduce graphene oxide under mild conditions to create conductivity in the final fibre. As-prepared fibres were found to be cytocompatible with good electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. SEM images from the cross-section of Chit/GO fibres showed an irregular shaped multifilament GO fibre covered with a cylinder-shaped sheath of chitosan. Coaxial fibres had an ultimate tensile stress and elastic modulus that increased 8 500% and 3 350%, respectively compared to the graphene oxide fibres alone.