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Facile preparation of lightweight microcellular polyetherimide/graphene composite foams for electromagnetic
Jianqiang Ling1, Wentao Zhai, Weiwei Feng
1Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315201, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 8, 2013
Summary
Lightweight polyetherimide (PEI)/graphene foams were created using phase separation. These advanced materials offer enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal insulation, making them suitable for demanding applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Lightweight, high-performance materials are crucial for advanced applications.
- Polyetherimide (PEI) and graphene are promising components for functional nanocomposites.
- Developing efficient methods for creating microcellular polymer foams with tailored properties is an ongoing challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile approach for producing lightweight microcellular polyetherimide (PEI)/graphene nanocomposite foams.
- To investigate the effect of foaming on graphene distribution and orientation within the PEI matrix.
- To evaluate the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties of the resulting foams.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a phase separation process to create microcellular PEI/graphene nanocomposite foams.
- Analyzing the influence of extensional flow during cell growth on graphene enrichment and orientation.
- Characterizing the density, electrical conductivity, EMI shielding effectiveness, thermal conductivity, and Young's modulus of the nanocomposite foams.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced lightweight PEI/graphene foams with a density of approximately 0.3 g/cm³.
- Observed graphene enrichment and orientation on cell walls due to extensional flow during foaming.
- Achieved a reduced electrical conductivity percolation threshold (0.18 vol%) in foams compared to nanocomposites.
- Significantly enhanced specific EMI shielding effectiveness from 17 to 44 dB/(g/cm³).
- Demonstrated low thermal conductivity (0.037–0.065 W/m·K) even at elevated temperatures (200 °C) and high Young's modulus (180–290 MPa).
Conclusions:
- The phase separation method provides an effective route to lightweight PEI/graphene nanocomposite foams.
- Foaming induces favorable graphene arrangement, improving EMI shielding and electrical properties.
- These PEI/graphene foams exhibit excellent thermal insulation and mechanical strength, suitable for advanced material applications.
