The journey of PDMS-based nanocomposites for EMI shielding applications: from bench to translational research

Abstract

The advancement in the field of electronics has allowed the miniaturization of electronic devices. Also, lightweight devices have become an integral part of our lives, especially concerning wearable gadgets. In this regard, researchers are exploring polymer nanocomposites as a potential candidate due to their inherent advantages over traditional metals for shielding electromagnetic radiation. In this journey, many polymers, ranging from thermoplastic/thermoset to intrinsically conducting polymers, were explored. Although few reviews have been published in this field, a comprehensive study on PDMS-based shielding materials did not receive much attention. However, its use in electronics has increased significantly in the recent past, especially in biomedical devices. In the last decade, researchers have explored PDMS for making composites, coating materials, and foam-like structures. In this review article, the journey of PDMS-based shielding materials has been highlighted alongside the potential applications targeted and the underlying mechanism of shielding. This comprehensive review focuses on the crucial role of functional nanoparticles that render PDMS composites conducting and make them likely candidates for EMI shielding applications. The importance of cure-kinetics and processing of PDMS-based composites is stressed here as it decides final applications such as flexible gaskets to block radio leakage to reinforced sheets for structural applications.