In this work, two graphene oxide (GO) samples were prepared using the Hummers method with graphite (g) and KMnO4 (g) ratios of 1:3 (GO3) and 1:6 (GO6). The effect of oxidation degree on the structural, electrical, and dielectric properties of the GO samples was investigated. The structures of the GO samples were studied using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). XRD analysis revealed an increase in the interlayer spacing and a decrease in the number of layers of the samples with increasing oxidant content. The two GO samples have giant permittivity values of ~105 in the low-frequency range. The characteristics of the functional groups and defects were clarified in terms of their high permittivity. The AC conductivity of the GO samples obeyed Jonscher’s power law. The AC conductivities of GO3 and GO6 were calculated as 0.07 and 0.01 S/m at 1 MHz, respectively. The power exponent s has values in the range 0 < s < 1. In addition, a low loss tangent was observed for GO6 in the high-frequency range. KEY WORDS: Jonscher’s power law, AC conductivity, Defect, Permittivity, Loss tangent, Graphene oxide Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(12), 2583-2592 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i12.17
This research explores the integration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices to enhance their structural, electrical and thermal properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirms the formation of a PVA-MWCNT complex. The incorporation of MWCNTs, even at low concentrations, leads to increased electrical conductivity, making the composite material suitable for applications in flexible electronics and sensors. Dielectric studies reveal frequency-dependent electrical behavior, attributed to interfacial polarization, suggesting potential uses in capacitors and energy storage devices. The introduction of MWCNTs into PVA leads to N-type semiconductor behavior, as indicated by the Hall c
... Show MoreIntrinsic viscosities have been studied for polyethylene oxide in water which has wide industrial applications. The polyethylene oxide samples had two different structures, the first one was linear and covers a wide range of molecular weight of 1, 3, 10, 20, 35, 99, 370, 1100, 4600, and 8000 kg/mol and the second one was branched and had molecular weights of 0.55 and 40 kg/mol.
Intrinsic viscosities and Huggins constants have been determined for all types and molecular weights mentioned above at 25ºC using a capillary viscometer. The values of Mark-Houwink parameters (K and a) were equal to 0.0068 ml/g and 0.67 respectively, and have not been published for this range of molecular weight in as yet.
In this work, some mechanical properties of the polymer coating were improved by preparing a hybrid system containing Graphene (GR) of different weight percentages (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2wt%) with 5wt% carbon fibres (CF) and added to a polymer coating by using casting method. The properties were improved as GR was added with further improvement on adding 5wt% of CF. The impact strength of acrylic polymer with GR increases with increasing weight ratio of GR; maximum value was obtained when the polymer coating was incorporated with 1wt% GR and 5wt% CF. The impact strength of acrylic polymer with GR and GR/CF composites incorporated with GR at 1wt% and CF at 5wt%. Hardness increase with increasing weight ratio of Gr and a significant imp
... Show MoreThe structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnS films prepared by vacuum evaporation technique on glass substrate at room temperature and treated at different annealing temperatures (323, 373, 423)K of thickness (0.5)µm have been studied. The structure of these films is determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The X-ray diffraction studies show that the structure is polycrystalline with cubic structure, and there are strong peaks at the direction (111). The optical properties investigated which include the absorbance and transmittance spectra, energy band gab, absorption coefficient, and other optical constants. The results showed that films have direct optical transition. The optical band gab was found to be in the range t
... Show MoreThis research examines the electrical, optical, and structural properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) and tin(IV) oxide (ZnO)1-x (SnO2)x composite thin films made by pulsed laser deposition, as well as the impact of composition concentration. The structural study of (ZnO)1-x (SnO2)x composites and thin films was conducted by X-ray analysis (XRD). Optical properties were investigated by UV–Vis infrared spectroscopy. The structural analysis revealed that all prepared thin-film composites were polycrystalline, exhibiting both hexagonal wurtzite and tetragonal phases for pure ZnO and SnO2, as well as a mixture of both phases for x=0.2 and 0.4. In contrast, the SnO2 phase was predominant for x=0.6 and 0.8. The increase in crystal size in the (
... Show MoreCorrosion inhibiting admixtures are unique among other methods to protect reinforced concrete from corrosion damage. In this study, the effect of furfural on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete mixes of 35 and 45 MPa compressive strengths as well as the corrosion inhibition of furfural was evaluated. Furfural was added at different dosages (1, 2 and 3% by weight of cement) with and without superplasticizer (HRWR). Different electrochemical measurements were performed (Half-cell potential, Tafel plot and linear polarization resistance). Electrochemical measurements confirmed that furfural dramatically reduces the rate of corrosion; the inhibition efficiencies were 62.7 and 63.8 % due to 3% furfural addition to 35 and 45MPa-concr
... Show MoreNano-structural of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) thin films were
deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis technique (CSPT). Nd and Ce
doped vanadium oxide films were prepared, adding Neodymium
chloride (NdCl3) and ceric sulfate (Ce(SO4)2) of 3% in separate
solution. These precursor solutions were used to deposit un-doped
V2O5 and doped with Nd and Ce films on the p-type Si (111) and
glass substrate at 250°C. The structural, optical and electrical
properties were investigated. The X-ray diffraction study revealed a
polycrystalline nature of the orthorhombic structure with the
preferred orientation of (010) with nano-grains. Atomic force
microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize the morphology of the
films. Un-do
In this present paper, an experimental study of some plasma characteristics in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) system using several variables, such as different frequencies and using two different electrodes metals(aluminium (Al) and copper (Cu)), is represented. The discharge plasma was produced by an AC power supply source of 6 and 7 kHz frequencies for the nitrogen gas spectrum and for two different electrodes metals(Al and Cu). Optical emission spectrometer was used to study plasma properties (such as electron temperature ( ), electron number density ( ), Debye length ( ), and plasma frequency ( )). In addition, images were analysed for the plasma emission intensity at atmospheric air pressure.