Synchronously improved electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal conductivity for epoxy nanocomposites by constructing 3D copper nanowires/thermally annealed graphene aerogel framework

3D copper nanowires-thermally annealed graphene aerogel (CuNWs-TAGA) framework is firstly prepared by freeze-drying followed by thermal annealing from CuNWs, graphene oxide (GO) and L-ascorbic acid. Epoxy resin is then poured back into the above 3D CuNWs-TAGA framework to fabricate the CuNWs-TAGA/epoxy nanocomposites. CuNWs with average diameter of about 120 nm and length of approximate 10 gm are successfully prepared. When the mass fraction of CuNWs-TAGA is 7.2 wt% (6.0-1.2 wt% CuNWs-TAGA), the thermal conductivity coefficient (lambda) value of the CuNWs-TAGA/epoxy nanocomposites reaches the maximum of 0.51 W/mK. Meantime, the CuNWs-TAGA/epoxy nanocomposites exhibit the maximum electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) value of 47 dB and electrical conductivity (sigma) of 120.8 S/m, ascribed to perfect 3D CuNWs-TAGA conductive network structures. Meanwhile, the corresponding elasticity modulus, hardness, glass transition temperature (T-g) and heat-resistance index (T-HIR) of the CuNWs-TAGA/epoxy nanocomposites increase to 4.69 GPa, 0.33 GPa, 126.3 degrees C and 181.7 degrees C, respectively.