Conductivity and properties of graphene filler in poly (lactic acid) for electrostatic dissipative (ESD) film

This research was conducted to study the conductivity and properties of graphene filler in poly (lactic acid) (PLA) for Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) film. Electrostatic discharge is a natural phenomenon occur when two objects contacted and releases static electricity. The sudden discharge can cause damage to electronic components. PLA was found compatible as a substitution to petrochemical product of plastic with the advantages of biodegradability. In thus objective, PLA is employed as matrix polymer to dissipate electrical charges and can be a good electrical component insulator. Graphene were employed as filler in this study. The comparison was made with different percentage of graphene loading onto PLA matrix and analysed by Melt Flow Indexer, Fourier Transform Infrared, Tensile Tester, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The result obtained showed the tensile strength, thermal properties and conductivity was improved as loading content of graphene increase compared to PLA virgin and PLA control.