Enhanced EMI Shielding Efficiency of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Glass Sphere Composite-Loaded Ultralight Weight Flexible Polyurethane Foam

Abstract

Graphene nanoplatelets and glass sphere (GNP@GS) composite is prepared using a simple mixing process and is loaded in flexible polyurethane foam to produce ultralight weight, high-performance, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material. The presence of a glass sphere enhances the mobility of graphene nanoplatelets in a polymer matrix forming a continuous conductive network thereby achieving better electrical conductivity and enhanced EMI shielding efficiency. The electrical conductivity of the synthesized GNP@GS/PU foam composites was achieved between 5.69 × 10−8 and 13.25 × 10−4 S/cm at varying filler loading. The maximum shielding effectiveness (i.e., −24.43 dB) was found at 12 wt% GNP@GS-loaded samples. The shielding results show that the composites have the potential to be employed as ultralight weight, flexible EM shielding materials. These materials are essential in many applications because they are good shield materials that prevent electronic equipment from electromagnetic-interference, better heat dissipation from the device, and also flexible to support fall protection.