Experiment and simulation of flexible CNT/SA/PDMS electromagnetic shielding composite

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Flexible electromagnetic shielding composites are crucial for modern electronics.
• Existing materials often face limitations in performance and flexibility.
• Carbon-based nanomaterials offer promising properties for advanced composites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate novel flexible electromagnetic shielding composites.
• To investigate the impact of nickel nanoparticle plating and carbon nanofiber infiltration on composite performance.
• To understand the relationship between material structure and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI-SE).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of two flexible composites: Ni-plated CNTs and CNF/PDMS infiltrated CNT/SA sponge skeleton.
• Testing of electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI-SE) in the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz).
• Evaluation of conductivity under mechanical strain and simulation of performance-enhancing factors.

Main Results:

• Composites with Ni-plated CNTs and CNF/PDMS showed nearly double the EMI-SE compared to CNT/SA/PDMS.
• Nickel nanoparticles enhanced microwave absorption, while CNF improved conductivity.
• Stable conductivity was observed under 10% strain for both flexible composites.

Conclusions:

• Plating Ni nanoparticles on CNTs and incorporating CNF into PDMS significantly improves EMI shielding.
• Optimizing Ni nanoparticle size and loading, along with CNF content, enhances material conductivity and EMI performance.
• These findings provide a pathway for designing high-performance flexible electromagnetic shielding composites.