Improving the EMI shielding of graphene oxide (GNO)-coated glass-fiber–GNO–MA-grafted polypropylene (PP) composites and nylon 1D–2D nanocomposite foams

Abstract

The proliferation of the latest electronic gadgets and wireless communication devices can trigger electromagnetic interference (EMI), which has a detrimental impact on electronic devices and humans. Efficient EMI shielding materials are required for EMI-SE and they should be durable in external environments, lightweight, and cost-effective. GNO-coated glass-fiber–GNO–maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) composite and carbon fiber-reinforced nylon 1D–2D nanocomposite foam were successfully prepared via a cost-effective thermal process. The composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The PP and nylon-based composites with ∼13% filler showed maximum electrical conductivity (EC) of 878 mS cm⁻¹ and 1381 mS cm⁻¹, respectively. The GNO-coated glass-fiber–GNO–MAPP foam displays a maximum EMI-SE of 120.6 dB, while the nylon graphene–carbon nanotube–metal nanoplatelet foam exhibits a maximum EMI-SE of 139.1 dB in the X-band region. The GFCFFeGMAPP composite possesses a minimum thickness of 2.56 mm and blocks most incoming radiation. These are some of the highest EMI-SE values reported so far for glass fiber and nylon-based composites, and the nylon-based composite showed excellent properties compared to the glass fiber-based composite. Thus, we believe that the developed composites can be used in a wide range of real applications, such as in military vehicles, aviation, automobiles, and the packaging of electronic circuits.