A multifunctional smart fabric based on reduced graphene oxide for next generation military couture

Multifunctional smart apparel with comfortable, hydrophobic, flexible, and washable nature is needed for next-generation fabrics in the military sector. Hence, we synthesized reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by cost- effective route and embedded on cotton cloth with polyvinyl alcohol as binder. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and Raman spectra confirmed formation of RGO. RGO exhibited a broad response covering UV, Visible, and near-infrared regions of the solar spectrum. The photocatalytic efficiency of 50 mg RGO for 10 ppm methylene blue is 73 % at visible light in 2 h 15 min. Different ratios of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and RGO (1:1, 1:2. 1:4 and 1:6) were taken and coated on cotton cloth. The higher concentration of RGO(3RPC) on cloth exhibited a bandgap of 1.67 eV and contact angle of 134.45°. Lower water absorption ability (28 %) and water solubility ability (7.9 %) of 3RPC indicate it is concurrent with contact angle. 3RPC is lightweight, flexible, and hydrophobic and it exhibits broad absorption with low bandgap. Due to the water repellence nature and broad absorption, 3RPC can used as self-cleaning apparel for military society. [Display omitted]