Graphene Infused Ecological Polymer Composites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Heat Management...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Mobile electronics and aerospace demand advanced materials for packaging.
• Conventional materials face limitations in cost, size, and functionality.
• Multifunctional polymer composites offer promising alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate eco-friendly, dual-functional polymer composites for EMI shielding and heat management.
• To explore polylactic acid/graphene nanoplatelet composites with varying loadings and flake sizes.
• To optimize material properties for electrical device packaging.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polylactic acid/graphene nanoplatelet composites with up to 15 wt% loading.
• Characterization of composites with graphene nanoplatelet lateral sizes of 0.2, 5, and 25 μm.
• Measurement of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding efficiency (0.2–12 GHz) and thermal conductivity.

Main Results:

• Achieved EMI shielding efficiency exceeding 40 dB for a 1 mm thick sample.
• Obtained thermal conductivity of 1.72 W/mK at 15 wt% nanofiller loading.
• Demonstrated influence of nanofiller lateral size on material properties.

Conclusions:

• Polylactic acid/graphene nanoplatelet composites exhibit significant dual functionality for EMI shielding and thermal management.
• Material properties can be tuned by adjusting graphene nanoplatelet loading and lateral size.
• These composites represent viable, cost-effective alternatives for electronic packaging applications.