TiO2 hybrid polypropylene/nickel coated glass fiber conductive composites for highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding

A highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding composite based on nickel coated glass fibers (NCGFs) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) filled polypropylene (PP) is fabricated via the simple melt blending method. Superior shielding effectiveness of 44.5 dB can be achieved with only 1.12 vol% Ni and 0.8 vol% TiO2 loadings owning to the well-formed conductive network and interfacial polarization effect of TiO2. The conductive Ni layer coating on the surface of glass fibers constructs an efficient conductive network due to its interfacial distribution between GF and PP. This interconnected Ni network provides fast electron transport channels to absorb the electromagnetic waves. Meanwhile, TiO2 dispersed among the network of NCGFs induces more interfacial polarization, and thus produces a synergistic effect to enhance the shielding effectiveness of composite. Such composite would be considered as a promising electromagnetic shielding material in aerospace and electronics.