Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of polycarbonate/graphene nanocomposite foams processed in 2-steps with supercritical carbon dioxide

The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of polycarbonate/graphene composites foamed with supercritical carbon dioxide were investigated as a function of cellular morphology and graphene particle dispersion. The 2-step foaming method used was found to improve graphene dispersion a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Materials letters 2015-12, Vol.160, p.41-44
Main Authors: Gedler, G., Antunes, M., Velasco, J.I., Ozisik, R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Compostos polimèrics
Dispersions
Electromagnetic interference
Electron microscopy
Enginyeria dels materials
Foaming
Grafè
Graphene
Materials porosos
Microscòpia electrònica
Morphology
Particulate composites
Plastic foam
Polymeric composites
Porous materials
Raigs X
Shielding
X-ray techniques
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC
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Summary:The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of polycarbonate/graphene composites foamed with supercritical carbon dioxide were investigated as a function of cellular morphology and graphene particle dispersion. The 2-step foaming method used was found to improve graphene dispersion and led to a different cellular structure compared to traditional 1-step foaming. Reflection was found to be the dominant EMI shielding mechanism and EMI shielding effectiveness was improved with large cell morphology that promoted isotropic/random orientation of graphene particles. A maximum EMI specific shielding effectiveness of ~78dBcm3/g was achieved in foams, which was more than 70 times higher than that of the unfoamed polymer (1.1dBcm3/g). The study shows that by controlling foaming process conditions and nanoparticle characteristics, it is possible to improve multiple properties while achieving lightweight materials suitable for various applications. [Display omitted] •Random orientation of graphene particles improved electromagnetic shielding.•Larger cells promoted better graphene dispersion/distribution and hence, better EMI shielding.•Maximum specific shielding effectiveness of foamed composites was 14dB (78dBcm3/g).•Reflection was found to be the dominant EMI shielding mechanism.•Shielding effectiveness increased +10 times after foaming.
ISSN:0167-577X
1873-4979
DOI:10.1016/j.matlet.2015.07.070