Enhanced High-Performance iPP/TPU/MWCNT Nanocomposite for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 16; no. 13; p. 1837
• Main Authors: Li, Yanru, Yu, Wenting, Ruan, Qian, Li, Kun, Guo, Xiaoqin, Bai, Zhongyi, Chen, Jingbo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 27.06.2024
• Subjects: bicontinuous structure; Carbon; Composite materials; Corrosion resistance; Electromagnetic interference; Electromagnetic shielding; EMI shielding property; Heat conductivity; Impact strength; Injection molding; iPP/TPU/MWCNTs; Maleic anhydride; Melt blending; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Organic chemicals; Polymers; polypropylene-based nanocomposites; Raw materials; Temperature; China
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym16131837

The rapid development of electronic communication technology has led to an undeniable issue of electromagnetic pollution, prompting widespread attention from researchers to the study of electromagnetic shielding materials. Herein, a simple and feasible method of melt blending was applied to prepare iPP/TPU/MWCNT nanocomposites with excellent electromagnetic shielding performance. The addition of maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) effectively improved the interface compatibility of iPP and TPU. A double continuous structure within the matrix was achieved by controlling the iPP/TPU ratio at 4:6, while the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes endowed the composites with improved electromagnetic shielding properties. Furthermore, by regulating the addition sequence of raw materials during the melt-blending process, a selective distribution of carbon nanotubes in the TPU matrix was achieved, thereby constructing interconnected conductive networks within the composites, significantly enhancing the electromagnetic shielding performance of iPP/TPU/MWCNTs, which achieved a maximum EMI shielding efficiency of 37.8 dB at an iPP/TPU ratio of 4:6 and an MWCNT concentration of 10 wt.%.