Flexible GnPs/EPDM with Excellent Thermal Conductivity and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Properties

Abstract

As the portable device hardware has been increasing at a noticeable rate, ultrathin flexible materials with the combination of high thermal conductivity and excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance are urgently needed. Here, we fabricated ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber with different loading graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs/EPDM) by a cost-efficient approach, which combines mixing, ultrasonication and compression. Further investigation demonstrates that the 8[Formula: see text]wt.% GnPs/EPDM with only 0.3[Formula: see text]mm in thickness shows excellent electrical conductivity (28.3[Formula: see text]S/m), thermal conductivity (0.79[Formula: see text]W/m[Formula: see text]K) and good mechanical properties. Besides, the 8[Formula: see text]wt.% GnPs/EPDM exhibits an EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) up to 33[Formula: see text]dB in the X-band (8.2–12.4[Formula: see text]GHz) and 35[Formula: see text]dB in the Ku-band (12.4–18[Formula: see text]GHz), superior to most of the reported rubber matrix. Additionally, the GnPs/EPDM shows excellent flexibility and stability with 95% and 94% retention of EMI SE even after repeated bending for 5000 times and corrosion (under 5% NaCl environment) for a week. Our flexible EMI shielding material will benefit the fast-growing next-generation commercial portable flexible electrons.