A Combination of Enhanced Mechanical and Electromagnetic Shielding Properties of Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Cu-Ni Composite Foams

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced double-layered Cu-Ni composite foams (Cu-Ni/CNT foams) were prepared through chemical plating and electrodeposition, for the purpose of combining enhanced mechanical and electromagnetic shielding properties. The microstructure characterization revealed a quite uniform dispersion of the CNTs embedded in the metal layers, even after heat treatments. The property testing showed the compressive strength, energy absorption capacity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) of Cu-Ni/CNTs foams were significantly improved, as compared to Cu-Ni foams. The heat treatments of the composite foams resulted in an interdiffusion of the Cu and Ni layers, causing an increase of compressive strength and a slight decrease of average SE. The possible mechanisms of the property evolution are discussed.

Automated summary

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced double-layered Cu-Ni composite foams were prepared through chemical plating and electrodeposition. The microstructure characterization showed a uniform dispersion of CNTs in the metal layers even after heat treatments. Property testing demonstrated significant improvements in compressive strength, energy absorption capacity, and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the Cu-Ni/CNT foams compared to Cu-Ni foams. Heat treatments resulted in an interdiffusion of Cu and Ni layers, increasing compressive strength and slightly decreasing average shielding effectiveness. The possible mechanisms of these property changes were discussed.