Stretchable and lightweight MWCNTs/TPU composites films with excellent electromagnetic interference shielding and dynamic mechanical properties

Stretchable composites have drawn the significant focus of researchers due to their necessity and importance in advanced technical areas. In this paper, we prepared the multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites with excellent dispersion using the double extrusion followed by solvent casting techniques. These techniques enhanced the interaction between the MWCNTs and TPU. The electrical properties, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and dynamic mechanical analysis of the prepared MWCNTs/TPU composites are analyzed. The EMI shielding performance at different phr of MWCNTs reinforced TPU composites is determined in the X-band frequency range. The 20 phr MWCNTs reinforced TPU composite having a thickness of 0.15 mm showed a total shielding effectiveness of similar to 37.4 dB, which is much higher as compared to pure TPU. The improvement in electrical properties is well supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and Raman spectroscopic analysis. SEM is used to analyze the dispersion of MWCNTs within the TPU matrix. The morphology showed that MWCNTs are well dispersed in the TPU matrix with the addition of 5phr MWCNTs. It was found that 5phr MWCNTs reinforced TPU composites have an excellent value of storage modulus, loss modulus and tan d which exhibit better properties as compared to the other MWCNTs reinforced TPU composites. The enhancement in DMA properties is due to the strong interfacial interaction between the fillers and matrix. These stretchable and light weight MWCNTs/TPU composites act as excellent EMI shielding materials, especially in next-generation defense and electronic devices industries.

Automated summary

In this paper, stretchable and lightweight multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites were prepared using double extrusion and solvent casting techniques. The composites showed enhanced interaction between MWCNTs and TPU. The electrical properties, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and dynamic mechanical analysis of the composites were studied. The composites exhibited excellent EMI shielding performance, making them suitable for use in next-generation defense and electronic devices industries.