High‐lignin‐content rice straw cellulose nanofibers/graphene oxide nanocomposites films: Electrical and mechanical properties

Rice straw nanofibers (RSNF) with high lignin content were used in making nanocomposites with graphene oxide (GO) at loading ratios from 0.625% to 5% (based on weight of RSNF). The prepared RSNF/GO films were characterized regarding their tensile strength, equilibrium moisture content (EMC), and electrical properties. Microstructure of the films was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Addition of 2.5% of GO resulted in increasing tensile strength and Young's modulus by 33.5% and 21.5%, respectively. Presence of GO significantly reduced moisture sorption of the films. Electrical conductivity measurement showed significant increase in permittivity (ε′) upon increasing GO loading. The ionic conductivity value of films containing 5% of GO was 10−7 S cm−1, which is acceptable value for use as antistatic and/or dissipated films. The electrical properties of the prepared low‐cost high‐lignin‐content RSNF/GO films could have potential use in flexible electronic applications such as in energy harvesting and storage. Preparation of rice straw nanofibers/graphene oxide (RSNF/GO) nanocomposites films.