Highly conductive antenna based on GNP/Ag/Cu nanocomposite for wearable application

• Main Author: Mohd Radi, Nor Hadzfizah
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2024
• Online Access: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/28817/; https://plh.utem.edu.my/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=124445

This research addresses the growing need for innovative new formulation nanocomposite material for highly conductive wearable antenna and useful solutions in areas such as public safety, navigation, and mobile computing. This study explores the impact potential of a new formulation of Graphene Nanoplatelet/Silver/Copper (GNP/Ag/Cu) nanocomposite formulation for low range Ultrawide Band (UWB) applications, aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional copper-based antennas. The research employs silk-screen printing technology to fabricate conductive patches of GNP/Ag/Cu nanocomposite onto textile substrates. Various loading levels of Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP) are tested to evaluate their impact on the radiating properties of the nanocomposite. Electrical conductivity is measured using the four-point probe method, while morphological and compositional analyses are conducted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive Xray spectroscopy (EDS). The performance of the antennas is assessed in terms of gain, return loss, and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), with comparisons drawn between different textile substrates (leather, cotton, and felt). The GNP/Ag/Cu nanocomposite conductive ink exhibits increased electrical conductivity to be superconductive with additional layers, reaching up to 40.218 × 107 S/m in the fifth layer. The antennas fabricated with these materials demonstrate higher gains of 11.7 dB, 11.8 dB, and 12.2 dB for leather, cotton, and felt substrates, respectively, with return losses consistently below -20 dB. The SAR values, evaluated for an input power of 0.5 W and based on 10 grams of human tissue, show compliance with ICNIRP standards, remaining below 2 W/kg. The improved conductivity and performance of the GNP/Ag/Cu nanocomposites validate their effectiveness as a substitute for copper in wearable antennas. The synergistic effects of GNP, Ag, and Cu enhance electrical conductivity to be superconductive and enhance overall antenna gain while maintaining safety standards. The morphological data from SEM and EDS highlight the uniformity and thickness of the nanocomposite coating, which contributes to the antenna's improved performance. This study provides a significant advancement in the development of wearable antennas by leveraging the unique properties of graphene and its composites. The successful integration of GNP/Ag/Cu nanocomposites into textile substrates offers a promising alternative to conventional copper-based solutions, addressing issues related to cost, flexibility, and environmental impact. The findings support the potential of these materials in enhancing the functionality of wearable technologies and contribute valuable insights for future research and development in smart textile antennas.