A Facile Method in Fabricating Flexible Conductive Composites with Large-Size Segregated Structures for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional polymer composites with segregated structures for conductivity often lack flexibility due to high moduli requirements.
• Larger filler particles can lower percolation thresholds but compromise conductive network integrity upon deformation.
• Existing methods for creating segregated structures can be complex and limit scalability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a facile method for fabricating flexible polymer composites with large-size segregated conductive structures.
• To investigate the electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance of these novel composites.
• To demonstrate the structural stability and flexibility of the composites after mechanical stress.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of silver-coated polydopamine-modified reduced graphene oxide (Ag@PrGO) conductive fillers via electroless plating.
• Coating polyolefin elastomer (POE) beads with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to facilitate filler adhesion through simple shaking.
• Fabrication of flexible composites with large-size segregated structures using hot pressing.

Main Results:

• Achieved excellent electrical conductivity of 203.55 S cm⁻¹ at a low filler volume fraction of 3.4 vol%.
• Demonstrated high EMI shielding effectiveness of 70 dB in the X-band for a 1.9 mm thick sample.
• Maintained stable performance after repeated bending and rubbing, highlighting excellent mechanical robustness and flexibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a straightforward approach to creating flexible composites with large-size segregated conductive networks.
• The unique structure of Ag@PrGO fillers and their arrangement contribute to adaptable deformability and robust conductivity.
• This work provides a promising pathway for advanced functional materials in flexible electronics and shielding applications.