Recent Trends in Polymeric Foams and Porous Structures for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Polymer-based nanocomposite foams with conductive nanofillers are crucial for limiting electromagnetic interference (EMI) pollution in electronic devices.
• Understanding the complex microstructural and porous properties is key to optimizing EMI shielding efficiency (EMI SE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review significant developments in polymer-based foams with conductive nanofillers for EMI shielding over the last three years.
• To explore strategies for controlling electrical conductivity and nanofiller distribution to enhance EMI SE.
• To examine the role of microcellular foaming, supercritical CO2 (sCO2) technologies, and 3D printing in creating advanced shielding materials.

Main Methods:

• Focus on microcellular foaming strategies, particularly those using supercritical CO2 (sCO2).
• Review the use of single and combined nanofillers (nanohybrids) for improved conductivity and shielding.
• Incorporate advancements in creating porous structures via 3D printing and using polymer foams as templates for carbon foams.

Main Results:

• Controlled distribution of conductive nanofillers, especially carbon-based ones, leads to effective conductive network formation and enhanced EMI SE.
• Microcellular foaming and sCO2 technologies are effective for developing polymer foams with superior EMI shielding.
• Nanohybrid strategies and 3D printing offer new avenues for tailoring porous structures and shielding properties.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing nanofiller distribution and conductivity is essential for maximizing EMI shielding in polymer composite foams.
• Emerging technologies like sCO2 foaming and 3D printing show great promise for advanced EMI shielding applications.
• Further research into computational approaches and nanohybrid systems can unlock new possibilities for high-performance EMI shielding materials.