High Strain Tolerant EMI Shielding Using Carbon Nanotube Network Stabilized Rubber Composite

High density flexible electronic platforms experience strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) influences from multiple devices and repeated deformation conditions such as stretching, bending, and twisting. Here, a network stabilized carbon nanotube/natural rubber composite is presented showing high EMI shielding persisting even at large deformations. Long-term cycling tests in all deformation modes show >80% retention of EMI shielding even after thousands of deformation cycles. The synergistic effect of strong EMI shielding, superior flexibility, and shielding stability can be attributed to the percolated and flexible network structure of nanotubes and their strong interfaces with rubber matrix. The results show unprecedented high strain tolerance for EMI shielding, potentially suitable for high performance flexible electronics.