Fish Gelatin Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes and ZnO Nanorods for Wearable Smart Technologies

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a ternary nanocomposite of carbon nanotube (CNT) and ZnO-nanorod (ZNR)-reinforced fish gelatin (FG), assessing its potential applications for wearable smart technology. The nanocomposite is prepared by the solution casting method by varying concentrations of nanofillers (0.00, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30%), where individual nanofillers are taken in the same concentration and analyzed by different characterization techniques to comprehend their interaction. Regarding nanofillers, nearly perfect graphitized CNTs of minimum defects and ZNRs with a high degree of crystallinity with an interlayer spacing of 0.233 nm are used and encapsulation of the nanofillers by the FG matrix is observed. The crystallinity is increased with the initial incorporation of nanofillers but interestingly decreases with higher concentrations. Amide bands are identified with peak shifting, suggesting enhanced interactions between nanofillers and the FG matrix. With the increase in nanofiller concentration, the effects on thermal stability of the nanocomposites and shifting in glass transition and melting temperatures are also investigated. The incorporation of nanofillers significantly improved the mechanical and electrical properties. This study would help to understand the influence of nanofillers in tailoring the properties of nanocomposite, offering opportunities to tune their properties and explore applications in wearable smart technology.