Improved electromagnetic interference shielding properties of poly (vinylidene fluoride) composites based on carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets

In order to improve the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), both carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as functional fillers were chosen and employed in this work. The PVDF-based composites were prepared through melt blending and the hybrid fillers exhibited fine interaction with PVDF matrix. CNTs and GNPs could act as heterogeneous nucleation agents for PVDF matrix, thus increased the crystallization peak temperature. The gradual formation of interconnected conductive network of hybrid fillers could improve the conductivity and rheological properties of PVDF effectively. Especially, in contrast to those of pure PVDF, about four orders of magnitude increment for their storage modulus and complex viscosity of PVDF/GNPs/CNTs composite as well as approximate 10 orders of magnitude improvement in their electrical conductivity were obtained. Adding 2 wt% CNTs in PVDF matrix could generate the conductive network and further GNPs addition was helpful to obtain higher EMI shielding effectiveness. The new PVDF samples would possess wide applications as electromagnetic shielding materials, on account of their simple processing, low-cost and without use of organic solvent characteristics.

Automated summary

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were used as fillers in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composites to improve the electromagnetic interference shielding performance. The addition of CNTs and GNPs improved the conductivity and rheological properties of PVDF, and acted as nucleation agents to increase its crystallization peak temperature. The PVDF composites showed significant enhancement in storage modulus, complex viscosity, and electrical conductivity compared to pure PVDF. The new PVDF samples have potential applications as electromagnetic shielding materials due to their simple processing, low-cost, and solvent-free characteristics.