UV-curable electromagnetic shielding composite films produced through waterborne polyurethane-acrylate bonded graphene oxide: Preparation and effect of different diluents on the properties

Abstract

UV-curable electromagnetic shielding composite films (UV-EMSF) were prepared with graphene oxide/polyurethane-acrylate (GO-PUA) oligomers, different diluents (styrene-butyl acrylate or tripropylene-glycol diacrylate-butyl acrylate or trimethylol propane triacrylate-butyl acrylate) and photoinitiator (2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone). The chemical structures, morphology, crystallinity and thermal behavior of UV-EMSF were investigated by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The stability, optical transparency and electrical conductivity of emulsions were measured. The effects of different diluents on the properties such as gel content, solvent resistance, hardness, tensile strength, contact angle and adhesion force were systemically studied. It was found that the emulsions had a good stability and the electrical conductivity of the emulsions indicated that the addition of GO had an effect on the electric conductivity. The prepared UV-EMSF composites with low-cost, low pollution and easy-to-prepare low resistivity have a great potential application in different areas such as electronic, electrical, communications, plastic coatings and wood finishes.