Microwave Heating of Functionalized Graphene-Nanoplatelet Polymer Composites: Experimental and Numerical Study

Abstract

Compared with contemporary electrofusion techniques that use embedded wires for Joule heating, microwave heating may facilitate the joining of thermoplastic polymer components, promising shortened fusion periods, better heating uniformity, and reduced energy consumption. This study investigates the fabrication of multifunctional polylactide acid (PLA) composites with strong microwave absorption using functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (fGNP). Graphene nanoplatelets were treated with tannic acid to produce fGNP. The fGNP/PLA nanocomposites were fabricated using a two-step scalable manufacturing method, including solution blending and hot compression molding. The fGNP content of the composites ranged from 0 to 8% by weight. The samples were characterized for dielectric permittivity, heat capacity, and electrical and thermal conductivity. Thermal imaging was used to investigate the efficacy of microwave heating in fGNP/PLA nanocomposites as a function of microwave power and filler weight fractions. Experimental findings were contrasted with similar results for plain (non-functionalized) GNP in PLA. The produced nanocomposites were discovered to have strong microwave absorption characteristics and hence rapid heating, making this type of composite a prospective choice for gasket materials that faci